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Jeep Compass - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Jeep Compass ranks 21 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 54 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Compass, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Jeep's first and only crossover vehicle, the Compass, is a smooth-riding, affordable option within the compact SUV class. However, it lacks Jeep's trademark styling and off-road capabilities and is also widely criticized for its poor materials quality.

The 2010 Jeep Compass' strong points are its fuel economy and affordable price. Along with the Patriot, it's one of Jeep's most efficient vehicles and sits near the top of its class with a 23/28 mpg rating. In fact, its gas mileage is second only to several hybrids, including the Ford Escape Hybrid and Saturn VUE Hybrid. Still, the Compass undercuts them on price by more than $10,000 -- its roughly $18,500 base price makes it one of the cheapest vehicles in its class.

Unfortunately, the Jeep's good points end there. Unlike every other Jeep, it doesn't have off-road capabilities or boxy Jeep styling. The Compass' crossover roots and curvy lines are a disappointment to many, as are its cheap interior materials. Alternatives within the Compass' affordable price range include the Hyundai Tucson and Suzuki Grand Vitara, but neither one even comes close to the Jeep's excellent fuel economy. The Chevrolet Equinox's 22/32 mpg rating offers the best fuel economy at the best price. Its costs about $4,000 more than the Compass, but its good-looking interior and cargo capacity greatly improve upon the Jeep's weaknesses.

The Compass is unchanged for 2010, which means you should consider buying a 2009 model. You may be able to snag a discount as dealers make room on their lots for 2010s. If you're interested in the Compass, check out these Jeep deals for the latest incentives. The Compass comes in two trims -- the base Sport and the Limited -- in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

• "Jeep's compact, car-based Compass lacks the off-road chops its larger siblings boast, but it can tread lightly off the beaten path thanks to optional four-wheel drive." -- Cars.com
• "A thorough interior overhaul isn't enough to elevate the 2009 Jeep Compass from the compact SUV segment's sub-basement. You can do much better." -- Edmunds
• "Certainly, Chrysler still has more work to do for a vehicle like the Compass to make our 5Best trucks list, but the overhaul to the interior is a laudable step toward making the little Jeepsters easier to live with -- and it appears we'll probably have to live with the Compass/Patriot twins for a while." -- Car and Driver
• "Buyers looking for a sport/utility with good road manners and exceptional fuel economy will find most everything they need in the Compass, but Jeep loyalists aren't likely to be happy about the brand equity given up for this new model." -- Motor Trend
• "Compass is a marvelous, affordable package that's a lot more fun to drive and has a lot more utility and room than you expect. And it just happens to be a Jeep." -- USA Today

Compass Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Jeep Compass offers an adequate enough driving experience, but test drivers are still disappointed that it carries the Jeep badge but doesn't have off-road capabilities. "Suffice it to say that the Compass does not shape up as a rock-crushing trail rider -- even with its 4WD powertrain and 8-inches-plus ground clearance," says the Sacramento Bee. "The Compass is more at home taking five people and their belongings to the beach for a summer day." Read More

Compass Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The rounded contours of the Jeep Compass lack the trademark boxy styling of every other Jeep -- a point of criticism for reviewers. Some reviewers like the SUV's grille, but are still dissatisfied with the overall design. "It's a car trying to be a Jeep," says USA Today. "It's ugly, at least toward the rear." Read More

Compass Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)

Since its 2007 introduction, the Jeep Compass has taken lots of criticism for its poor-quality five-seat cabin. That has changed somewhat with a mild refresh in 2009 but some reviewers still say the cabin doesn't offer anything special. "In place of the '08 models' miserable oceans of shiny plastic are, well, much less offensive oceans of not-so-shiny plastic, and a decent helping of well-placed brightwork sprinkled about the cabin, most notably on the completely redesigned dashboard, which now has round air registers ringed in chrome," says Car and Driver. Read More

Compass Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2010 Jeep Compass does well in federal government crash tests. It's also equipped with an array of safety equipment, though supplemental front seat-mounted side air bags are only optional. Read More

Compass Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Jeep Compass reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Compass comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, which also includes towing assistance. Read More