2025 Jeep Compass

Anyone looking for a small SUV with a Jeep vibe will find the Compass interesting. It fits that bill perfectly, with kind-of rugged looks and some off-road ability (quite a bit of it in the Trailhawk model). This second generation launched for the 2017 model year, and the time for a third generation must be nigh.

The only change for the 2025 Compass is a limited-edition paint color Jeep calls “Joose.” An entirely new generation of Compass is anticipated for 2026.

The Limited trim is a popular choice, but we recommend going in a different Compass direction — the base Sport trim — because it’s the least expensive yet still has a decent amount of equipment. And since this is probably the final year of production for this generation of Compass, the price could be negotiated down.

The similarly sized, priced, and off-road-oriented Subaru Crosstrek is perhaps the clearest alternative to the Compass. The Ford Bronco Sport is also intriguing, but it’s also larger and pricier. 

Before buying a new Compass SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values are below the class average. Remember, recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine gives the Jeep Compass 200 hp. There’s plenty of thrust, even at lower revs. This is an advantage when dealing with heavy traffic and tricky terrain alike. The engine seems refined enough to us, although there’s some growl when accelerating. Getting up to speed is handled quickly and efficiently, with smooth shifts from the 8-speed automatic transmission. Hydraulic engine mounts help reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.

We’ve found the ride a tad bouncy over rough surfaces, but that’s the price to pay for a suspension tuned primarily for comfort. At least the steering has some feel, and we generally prefer the smaller wheel/tire combination of lower trims like the Latitude, as opposed to the slightly less forgiving larger wheels of the Limited and its High Altitude Package.

The 2025 Jeep Compass’s compact footprint makes driving and parking in town easy. Out of town, another facet comes to light — every new Compass is reassured by all-wheel drive. The Trailhawk version has low gearing and a locking four-wheel-drive system, enabling it to explore wilder places that might scare off owners of other small SUVs.

Fuel Economy

It’s an OK performance here from the Compass, achieving 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s not atypical of a subcompact SUV.

The Jeep Compass has an acceptable amount of decent materials, pleasing shapes, and details. We also find the cabin fairly quiet. At 38.3 inches, rear legroom is better than average for a subcompact SUV. The 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats hovers near the bottom of the class.

That famed 7-slot grille advertises the overall Jeep-ness of the Compass. There’s a certain ruggedness about the looks that brings its own appeal. White is the only no-cost color.

Jeep Active Drive 4×4
The standard Jeep Active Drive 4×4 system is the foundation of what makes the Compass a good off-roader. It’s a fully automatic system that delivers torque to the wheels that need it most.

Disconnecting rear axle
One clever aspect of the 4×4 system in the Compass is that it can disconnect drive to the rear axle, essentially making the Compass a front-wheel-drive vehicle to help save gasoline when conditions allow.

Selec-Terrain
Selec-Terrain is standard, allowing drivers to optimize the 4-wheel-drive system for whatever terrain they encounter. Leaving it in Auto mode works well enough most of the time, but it also has Snow and Sand/Mud modes. The Trailhawk adds a Rock mode for more demanding terrain.

Infotainment system
We like it. The setup has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, is user-friendly, and is packed with features, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless charging and an Alpine premium audio system are among the options.

Highway Assist
It does what its name implies. Available in the Limited and Trailhawk models, this partially autonomous system uses features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to help ease the driver’s workload under certain conditions.

Trailhawk
The Compass Trailhawk is much more than just an appearance package. Thanks to a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock mode, an extra inch of ground clearance, off-road tires, and skid plates, it has impressive off-road capabilities. All-wheel-drive rivals pale in comparison on the dirt.

The Compass employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 200 hp and 221 lb-ft, which is on the more muscular side for this subcompact SUV class. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends this to a standard all-wheel-drive system. Maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds — better than the class average.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Jeep’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, which is typical among mainstream manufacturers. Jeep also includes free scheduled maintenance for the first three years.

Safety Ratings

The Compass earned an overall score of four stars out of a possible five from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It hasn’t been tested fully by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.