2018 Jeep Compass Limited for Sale: A Stylish Compact SUV with Premium Features
If you're in the market for a compact SUV that combines style, versatility, and premium features, look no further than the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited. With its sleek design, comfortable interior, and off-road capabilities, this SUV offers an excellent driving experience whether you're cruising through city streets or venturing off the beaten path. While no vehicle is perfect, the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited has a lot to offer—despite a few drawbacks. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about this model, from its pros and cons to real-world driving impressions, to help you make an informed decision. Let's get into it!
Overview of the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited
The 2018 Jeep Compass Limited is a well-rounded compact SUV that sits in the middle of Jeep's lineup between the subcompact Renegade and the larger Cherokee. It comes packed with premium features you’d expect from a top-of-the-line trim while still maintaining Jeep’s signature ruggedness. Designed to blend urban sophistication with off-road prowess, the Compass Limited offers a balance that is hard to beat in the compact SUV segment.
Some notable features include:
- 2.4L Tigershark engine with 180 horsepower
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive option available
- Uconnect 4 infotainment system with 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Leather seats and a premium sound system
- Advanced safety features including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
While the features are certainly appealing let’s dive into the real-world performance of the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited.
Performance and Driving Experience
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited packs a 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-4 engine. It produces a decent 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers won’t blow you away the engine delivers adequate power for daily driving. Acceleration is smooth although some drivers might find the engine a bit underpowered for highway merging and passing. The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts reasonably well though it can sometimes be a bit slow to downshift when more power is needed.
Potential Drawback:
Some owners report that the engine feels sluggish when accelerating especially with a full load of passengers or cargo. The transmission can also hunt for gears at times which may affect the driving experience particularly when going uphill or during stop-and-go traffic.
Fuel Economy
The 2018 Jeep Compass Limited performs respectably in the fuel economy department. EPA estimates suggest it gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models. The all-wheel-drive version has a slightly lower rating at 22/31 mpg city/highway.
While these numbers aren’t class-leading they’re competitive for the segment. However real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving habits and terrain. Alex Collantes a proud owner of a 2018 Compass Limited notes: "I’m averaging around 24 miles per gallon with a mix of city and highway driving which is decent for an SUV of this size but definitely not the best out there."
Potential Drawback:
While the fuel economy is respectable it’s not the most efficient option in its class. Competing models like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 may offer slightly better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Interior and Comfort
Seating and Cargo Space
Step inside the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited and you’ll find a cabin that’s modern and comfortable. The leather-trimmed seats are supportive and offer good cushioning for long drives. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable and the rear seats provide ample space for adults although taller passengers may feel a bit cramped in the back.
The cargo space is decent for a compact SUV with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This gives you plenty of room for luggage groceries or outdoor gear.
Potential Drawback:
Some users report that the rear seats are slightly firm for long trips and the overall rear legroom could be tight for taller individuals. If you frequently drive with adult passengers in the back the Compass might not offer the most generous space compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester.
Technology and Infotainment
The Uconnect infotainment system is one of the highlights of the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited. The system is responsive and the 8.4-inch touchscreen is easy to use with sharp graphics and intuitive menus. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard so staying connected on the go is a breeze. Voice commands are also available and work reasonably well.
Potential Drawback:
While the system is mostly user-friendly some drivers report occasional glitches with Bluetooth connectivity and the navigation system can sometimes be slow to update routes or respond to touch inputs.
Safety Features and Reliability
Standard and Available Safety Features
When it comes to safety the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited has you covered with a range of standard and optional features. Some of the key safety tech includes:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
Potential Drawback:
One downside to the safety package is that advanced features like adaptive cruise control and park assist are only available in optional packages rather than being standard on the Limited trim. If safety tech is a priority you may find yourself paying extra to get all the features you want.
Reliability Concerns
While Jeep has made significant strides in terms of reliability over the years some owners of the 2018 Compass Limited have reported minor issues with the electrical systems and infotainment glitches. Additionally there have been occasional complaints about the transmission’s long-term durability particularly the 9-speed automatic which has been known to experience hesitation and rough shifts in some cases.
Potential Drawback:
Jeep’s reliability ratings tend to be average compared to rivals. If long-term reliability is a major concern you might want to consider models like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V which are known for their excellent reliability scores.
Off-Road Capability
For those who like to take their vehicle off the pavement the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited does not disappoint. While it may not have the same level of off-road prowess as the Jeep Wrangler it’s more than capable of handling light off-roading. The available Jeep Active Drive 4x4 system offers good traction on loose surfaces like dirt gravel and sand.
Potential Drawback:
The Compass Limited’s off-road abilities are solid for a compact SUV but it’s not as rugged as some of Jeep’s other models. If you plan on doing serious off-roading you might want to consider upgrading to the Trailhawk trim which offers better ground clearance skid plates and additional off-road features.
Pricing and Value
The 2018 Jeep Compass Limited comes at a premium price compared to its lower trims. Expect to pay around $18000 to $23000 depending on the vehicle’s condition mileage and location. While this is a reasonable price for a compact SUV loaded with premium features there are other competitors in the market that offer similar features at a lower price point.
Potential Drawback:
The Compass Limited is priced competitively but it may not offer the same bang for your buck as some of its rivals like the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson which offer similar levels of equipment at a lower starting price.
Verdict: Is the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited Right for You?
If you’re looking for a stylish compact SUV that blends urban sophistication with off-road capabilities the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited is a solid choice. It offers a well-appointed interior modern technology and enough features to keep most drivers happy. The all-wheel drive option makes it a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions whether you're navigating city streets or hitting a light trail on the weekend.