2020 Jeep Compass Review: A Stylish Yet Practical SUV
Overview
The 2020 Jeep Compass is a compact SUV designed to bring together style, off-road ability, and urban usability in a single package. Positioned between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee in Jeep’s lineup, the Compass promises to meet the needs of drivers looking for versatility. It’s an affordable SUV that offers a well-rounded blend of features, technology, and a refined look.
Let’s dive into what the 2020 Jeep Compass has to offer, from performance to interior design and everything in between. You’ll also find out where the Compass shines and where it might leave you wanting more.
Design and Exterior
Styling That Stands Out
The 2020 Jeep Compass maintains the rugged charm Jeep is known for, but with a modern twist. The exterior design is both sleek and muscular, featuring Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille and a sculpted front fascia that hints at the Compass’s off-road capabilities. With LED headlights, a sporty stance, and optional blacked-out roof, it’s a car that easily catches attention on the road.
Color choices are also generous, ranging from bright Alpine White to the deep Granite Crystal Metallic. For those who love personalization, Jeep’s two-tone color schemes give the Compass an extra edge.
- Wheel sizes range from 16 to 19 inches depending on the trim
- Roof rails come standard making it adventure-ready
- Trailhawk trim offers a raised suspension and skid plates for off-roading
"Jeep really nailed the look of this car" says Alex Collantes a Compass owner "It has that off-road feel but doesn’t look too rugged to take downtown"
However there’s a catch – while the styling is attractive the build quality of exterior panels isn’t always up to par. Some owners have noted minor alignment issues with doors and hatchbacks over time.
Engine Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the Hood
The 2020 Compass comes with only one engine option for all trims: a 2.4-liter inline-four that delivers 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine powers either the front wheels or all four wheels depending on whether you opt for the 4x4 models.
Transmission Choices
- 6-speed manual transmission available only in the base trim
- 6-speed automatic for front-wheel-drive models
- 9-speed automatic transmission reserved for 4x4 trims
The engine performs decently for city driving and highway cruising but doesn’t offer the kind of punch you might expect in a sporty compact SUV. Acceleration feels sluggish at times especially when trying to merge into fast-moving traffic.
Pros:
- Comfortable on-road manners
- Decent off-road capability with the Trailhawk model
Cons:
- Engine lacks the power for spirited driving
- 9-speed automatic feels clunky and hunts for gears on occasion
"On steep hills it feels like the car’s second-guessing itself" says Alex Collantes "It’s not exactly built for speed but it’ll get you where you need to go"
Interior Comfort and Features
Cabin Layout and Tech
The interior of the 2020 Compass offers a balanced mix of practicality and style. Soft-touch materials are used in most high-contact areas and the dashboard layout is intuitive. However there are still some hard plastics on the lower parts of the doors and center console which may remind you that this is a budget-friendly SUV.
Key Interior Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch optional)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Available leather upholstery on higher trims
- Heated steering wheel and front seats on Limited and Trailhawk
Room for Passengers and Cargo
The Compass offers comfortable seating for five passengers. Front seats are supportive enough for long drives but the rear seats can feel cramped for taller passengers. One of the biggest downsides is the limited cargo space behind the rear seats which stands at just 27.2 cubic feet. Folding down the rear seats expands it to 59.8 cubic feet but competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer more generous cargo areas.
- Front row headroom: 39.2 inches
- Rear legroom: 38.3 inches
Pros:
- Easy-to-use tech interface
- Comfortable seats for daily driving
Cons:
- Cargo space is smaller compared to rivals
- Rear seats could offer more legroom
Off-Road Capability
Is It a True Jeep?
Yes the Trailhawk trim lives up to Jeep’s off-road reputation. It comes with Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4x4 system offering a 20:1 crawl ratio and Selec-Terrain modes for Snow Sand Mud and Rock.
Trailhawk models also include:
- Skid plates
- Tow hooks
- Raised suspension for better ground clearance
For light off-roading or camping trips the Compass will serve you well but it won’t match the capabilities of a Wrangler.
"It’s perfect for weekend warriors like me" adds Alex Collantes "You can tackle some muddy paths without feeling like you’re driving a tank every day"
However even with these features the Compass can’t handle serious rock-crawling or deep water crossings.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Advanced Safety Features
The 2020 Compass scores decent safety ratings but not top-tier. It comes with several driver-assistance technologies to provide peace of mind:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control (available on higher trims)
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
Crash Test Ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Compass an overall rating of 4 stars while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards it Good ratings in most areas but not Top Safety Pick status.
Some features like adaptive cruise control are only available as part of packages which might push the price up.
Fuel Economy
The 2.4-liter engine is fairly fuel-efficient but it isn’t class-leading. Front-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway while 4x4 models drop slightly to 22/30 mpg.
For comparison:
- Honda CR-V: Up to 28/34 mpg
- Mazda CX-5: Up to 25/31 mpg
These numbers are acceptable for most buyers but Jeep enthusiasts expecting Wrangler-like ruggedness and economy may feel let down.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Compass is available in five main trims:
- Sport – Basic features with cloth seats
- Latitude – Adds upgraded tech and more comfort features
- Altitude – Sporty looks with gloss-black accents
- Limited – Leather interior and premium touches
- Trailhawk – Off-road features and a rugged exterior
Pricing starts at around $22,280 for the Sport model and can go up to $32,000 or more for a fully-loaded Trailhawk.
Final Thoughts
The 2020 Jeep Compass brings a lot to the table – a bold design off-road capability and tech that suits the modern driver. It isn’t without flaws though. The engine can feel underpowered and cargo space isn’t class-leading but it still serves as a capable everyday vehicle especially in Trailhawk trim.
If you’re someone who wants an SUV that looks the part of an adventurer without sacrificing urban usability the Compass might be right for you. However those looking for more refined performance or class-leading cargo space might be better off with competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
"Overall I’d buy it again" concludes Alex Collantes "It’s got everything I need – looks comfort and enough off-road ability to have fun"
In the end the 2020 Jeep Compass stands out not because it’s the best in any one category but because it offers a balance of many features making it an attractive choice for a wide range of drivers. If you’re looking for a Jeep that doesn’t break the bank but still offers a taste of adventure the Compass could be the perfect fit.