Experience Comfort and Style: 2020 Jeep Compass Interior Review
Introduction to the 2020 Jeep Compass Interior
When it comes to compact SUVs the 2020 Jeep Compass promises to stand out not only with its off-road capability but also with a surprisingly refined interior. This model offers an appealing balance between comfort functionality and practicality. For anyone seeking a modern SUV with a cozy cabin tech-savvy features and stylish interior design the Compass makes a compelling case.
Still, we’re here to cover the full story. You’ll get the good, the bad, and what you might want to know before committing to this SUV. Below we take a deep dive into every corner of the interior of the 2020 Jeep Compass exploring its features strengths and areas where improvement is still needed.
Materials and Build Quality
The Compass’s interior is designed to appeal to a younger and practical audience without going overboard on luxury. While Jeep aimed for a refined look they stuck with materials that balance durability and aesthetics.
- Soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels create a sense of comfort.
- The seats come with a mix of fabric and leatherette options depending on the trim. Higher trims offer full leather which gives the Compass a premium feel.
- The plastic panels used in some lower trims can feel a bit hard to the touch but they are durable and should handle wear and tear well.
Build Quality: What Works and What Doesn’t
Though the materials feel nice in key areas, some drivers might notice panel gaps or loose-fitting trims after a while. "The fit and finish are solid but you can tell where they cut some corners" says Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast who’s driven several Jeep models over the years. "It's not a dealbreaker but the plastics on the lower dash can feel cheap."
Pros:
- Excellent soft-touch materials where it counts.
- Good durability on seat fabrics and panels.
Cons:
- Some plastics feel cheap and lack a premium touch.
- Potential for rattling noises on uneven terrain over time.
Seating Comfort and Space
Jeep delivers a comfortable seating setup in the Compass with thoughtful ergonomics. Both front and rear passengers can sit comfortably during short or long journeys.
Front Row Experience
The driver’s seat offers a good range of adjustability, and higher trims provide 8-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar support. Bolstered seats help keep you in place during spirited driving or off-road adventures.
- Standard cloth seats on lower trims feel breathable but lack the plushness of leather options.
- Heated front seats are optional and a welcome feature for cold-weather climates.
Rear Passenger Comfort
The second row offers ample headroom and decent legroom for adults though tall passengers might feel a bit cramped on long journeys. The rear seatbacks can recline slightly, adding a layer of comfort.
"The rear seats aren’t bad" notes Alex. "But if you're over 6 feet tall you might not want to be back there for too long. It works for kids though."
Pros:
- Good front seat adjustability and lumbar support.
- Rear seats recline slightly for added comfort.
Cons:
- Rear legroom could be tight for taller passengers.
- Cloth seats feel basic on entry-level trims.
Cargo Capacity and Storage
The Jeep Compass offers 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and up to 59.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. While this isn’t class-leading it’s more than enough for most everyday tasks like grocery runs or weekend getaways.
Practical Storage Solutions
- Fold-flat rear seats make it easier to transport longer items.
- The center console provides enough space for phones wallets and other small belongings.
- Door pockets and a decent-sized glovebox offer extra storage for odds and ends.
However, the cargo area isn’t without its flaws. The high liftover height can make it a bit challenging to load heavier objects. "You really have to lift things higher than you expect which isn’t ideal if you’re dealing with something bulky," adds Alex.
Pros:
- Versatile folding rear seats for larger cargo.
- Practical storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Cons:
- Cargo space is adequate but not best in class.
- High liftover height makes loading heavy items tricky.
Infotainment and Technology Features
The 2020 Jeep Compass’s Uconnect system is intuitive and easy to use which is a huge plus in today’s tech-heavy automotive landscape. Even the base models come with a 7-inch touchscreen which is responsive and simple to navigate.
Uconnect Features and Functionality
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all trims.
- An 8.4-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims for a more immersive experience.
- Voice recognition works reasonably well although it can struggle with more complex commands.
"It's nice to have both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without needing to upgrade to a higher trim," says Alex. "But the voice recognition sometimes gets things wrong which can get annoying."
Pros:
- User-friendly Uconnect system with smartphone integration.
- Responsive touchscreens on all trims.
Cons:
- Voice recognition isn’t always accurate.
- Navigation is only available on higher trims.
Climate Control and Cabin Noise
The 2020 Compass does a good job of maintaining cabin comfort regardless of the weather. Dual-zone automatic climate control is available on higher trims allowing front passengers to adjust their settings independently.
How It Handles Road Noise
While the Compass keeps wind and engine noise at bay during city driving road noise becomes more noticeable at highway speeds. "It’s fine when you're driving around town but on the highway you’ll hear some tire noise," Alex explains.
Pros:
- Dual-zone climate control adds convenience.
- Decent insulation from wind noise in urban settings.
Cons:
- Road noise becomes more intrusive at higher speeds.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Jeep packed the 2020 Compass with plenty of safety features to keep drivers and passengers protected. Even base trims come with essential safety tech while higher trims offer more advanced features.
Key Safety and Assistance Features
-
Standard Safety Features:
- Rearview camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
-
Advanced Driver Assistance (Available on Higher Trims):
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
"The safety tech is solid but some of the more advanced features only come with the pricier trims," Alex points out. "It would’ve been nice if more of these came standard."
Pros:
- A good range of standard safety features.
- Advanced driver assistance systems available on higher trims.
Cons:
- Some key features are only available on top trims.
Interior Styling and Aesthetic Appeal
The 2020 Compass leans towards a modern and clean design with just enough rugged elements to remind you it’s a Jeep. Simple lines run across the dashboard with minimal clutter creating a functional and attractive look.
- Steering wheel design: The Compass offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel on higher trims which feels nice to the touch.
- Instrument cluster: A mix of analog dials and a digital display gives drivers the essential information they need.
The overall aesthetic may not blow anyone away but it does enough to feel current and relevant.
Final Thoughts on the 2020 Jeep Compass Interior
The Jeep Compass interior presents a mix of strengths and compromises. It offers a comfortable and well-thought-out space that works well for everyday commutes and weekend trips alike. While some materials could feel more upscale and rear legroom might be a bit tight for taller passengers the overall cabin experience is positive.
"The Compass strikes a balance between being practical and modern" says Alex. "It’s not perfect but it’s comfortable and does what it needs to do."
If you are looking for an SUV with decent tech, good comfort, and off-road potential the Compass deserves a spot on your shortlist. Keep in mind that higher trims are where it truly shines especially with the addition of leather seats, advanced safety features, and more premium finishes. But even the entry-level models offer enough to keep drivers happy.
Summary: Who Should Buy the 2020 Jeep Compass?
This SUV fits well for:
- Young professionals needing a stylish but practical SUV.
- Families looking for compact space and safety without breaking the bank.
- Adventurers who need a capable off-roader with a comfortable cabin.
Just keep in mind that cargo space isn’t class-leading, and you might want to opt for a higher trim if you need premium features. But if you’re after comfort, tech, and Jeep’s trademark adventurous spirit the 2020 Compass ticks most of the boxes.