Experience Elevated Driving with the 2020 Jeep Compass Specifications
Overview of the 2020 Jeep Compass
The 2020 Jeep Compass combines off-road performance, practicality, and stylish design into a single compact SUV. Jeep designed the Compass for drivers who want more from their daily commute. It bridges the gap between urban adventures and weekend off-road fun. With its iconic Jeep styling and cutting-edge technology, the 2020 Compass stands out among its competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30. Let’s dive into what makes this compact SUV special—and where it could have done a bit better.
Engine and Performance
The 2020 Jeep Compass is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. While this engine provides decent power for daily driving, it can feel sluggish during highway merges or steep inclines. Jeep offers two transmission options:
- 6-speed manual transmission available on lower trims (Sport and Latitude)
- 9-speed automatic transmission for higher trims and all-wheel drive configurations
Drivetrain Options
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Better fuel economy and more affordable, ideal for city drivers
- Jeep’s Active Drive 4x4 system: Automatically engages four-wheel drive when traction is needed
Pros of the Engine:
- Smooth at low speeds and during stop-and-go traffic
- Competitive towing capacity for its class: up to 2,000 pounds
Cons of the Engine:
- Acceleration feels underwhelming compared to some rivals like the Honda CR-V
- Can struggle with passing at higher speeds
As Alex Collantes, an avid Jeep enthusiast, shares: "The Compass drives nice in the city but could use a bit more pep for highway runs. It's not going to win any races, but that’s not what you buy it for."
Fuel Economy
The fuel efficiency of the Compass is average. According to the EPA, it delivers:
- 22 mpg in the city
- 31 mpg on the highway
- 25 mpg combined for FWD models
AWD models drop slightly to around 23 mpg combined. These numbers are respectable, but several competitors offer better fuel efficiency—such as the Toyota RAV4, which achieves up to 35 mpg highway.
Exterior Design and Features
The exterior of the 2020 Jeep Compass reflects Jeep's signature rugged appeal. A seven-slot grille, bold lines, and high ground clearance give it the distinctive Jeep charm that’s hard to miss. It looks modern but stays true to Jeep’s heritage.
Trim Levels
The Compass is available in five trim levels:
- Sport – Base model with essential features
- Latitude – Adds some convenience and comfort
- Trailhawk – Off-road ready with enhanced 4x4 capability
- Limited – Premium feel with leather upholstery
- High Altitude – Top trim with luxury touches like 19-inch wheels
Exterior Highlights:
- Standard 16-inch wheels (upgraded to 19 inches on higher trims)
- Optional LED headlamps and fog lights for improved visibility
- Power liftgate available on higher trims
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited cargo space compared to rivals—27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with seats folded
- Some find the rear visibility a bit compromised by the thick pillars
Alex Collantes notes: "The design is sharp and very Jeep. But yeah—you do have to deal with some blind spots when parking."
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the 2020 Compass is comfortable and well-organized. Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors give it a refined feel, though some hard plastics remain. Higher trims add premium touches like leather seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Interior Dimensions:
- Passenger Capacity: 5
- Legroom: 41.8 inches (front) and 38.3 inches (rear)
- Headroom: 39.2 inches (without sunroof)
Infotainment and Connectivity
Jeep has loaded the Compass with an intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, which supports:
- 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen display (trim-dependent)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims
- Available built-in navigation on higher models
Key Tech Features:
- Optional Beats premium audio system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Remote start system available on Latitude trim and above
Pros: The Uconnect system is easy to use with responsive controls and crystal-clear graphics.
Cons: Some users report occasional lag in the touchscreen, and the voice commands can be finicky.
Safety Features
The 2020 Compass includes several advanced safety features to provide peace of mind. While it doesn’t have every feature available in the segment, it covers most essentials:
- Standard rearview camera
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Available forward-collision warning with automatic braking
- Available lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Crash Test Ratings:
The Compass earned 4 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA and received "Good" ratings in several IIHS tests. However, the headlights scored a "Marginal" rating, which brings down its overall safety score.
Alex Collantes adds: "It's nice to have those safety features, but some rivals offer them standard. I had to go up a few trims to get the tech I wanted."
Driving Experience
Jeep designed the Compass with versatility in mind. Whether driving in the city or hitting the trails, it manages to balance comfort and ruggedness. The Trailhawk trim is especially impressive with:
- Increased ground clearance
- Off-road suspension tuning
- Skid plates and tow hooks
While the Compass handles city roads comfortably, steering feedback could be better, especially around corners. There’s also a noticeable amount of body roll at higher speeds.
Noise levels inside the cabin are higher than in some competitors, which might be a drawback for those who value quiet rides.
Off-Road Capability
For those who love off-roading, the Trailhawk trim is the go-to choice. It comes with:
- Trail Rated badge, indicating its capability in five key areas: traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance
- Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system with modes for snow, sand, mud, and rock
However, compared to larger Jeep models like the Cherokee, the Compass has limited off-road capability. Still, it’s more than capable for light off-roading adventures and snowy conditions.
Pricing and Warranty
The 2020 Compass has a starting price of around $23,500 for the base Sport trim. Prices go up to nearly $32,000 for the High Altitude trim with AWD.
Jeep offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is on par with industry standards.
Potential Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement
While the 2020 Compass offers a lot of value, there are some areas where it could improve:
- Limited cargo space for a compact SUV
- Engine performance could be stronger
- Fuel economy is not class-leading
- Infotainment system lags occasionally
Despite these drawbacks, the Compass remains a solid choice for those seeking a stylish, off-road-ready SUV.
Conclusion
The 2020 Jeep Compass excels at blending off-road capability and urban practicality. While it isn’t the fastest or the most fuel-efficient compact SUV on the market, it offers a unique blend of style, technology, and ruggedness. For Jeep enthusiasts and weekend adventurers, the Compass is worth considering—especially if you opt for the Trailhawk trim.
As Alex Collantes sums it up: "The Compass feels like the perfect middle ground. It might not blow you away in any one area, but it’s a well-rounded SUV that does what you need—and does it with style."
Pros:
- Stylish Jeep design
- Trailhawk trim offers great off-road capability
- Comfortable interior with good tech options
Cons:
- Acceleration could be improved
- Limited cargo space
- Occasional lag in the infotainment system
If you are in the market for a compact SUV with a rugged edge, the 2020 Jeep Compass should be on your list. It’s a vehicle that delivers on its promise of adventure without sacrificing too much practicality.