Jeep Compass review

Introduction

If you’re looking for an SUV that’s tough enough to withstand the rigours of family life, who better to build it than a company that started out building four-wheel-drive cars during wartime? Yes, now entering its third generation, the Jeep Compass promises to be just the right kind of general-purpose vehicle to haul your little troopers off to boot camp. Or, perhaps, school. 

There’s a choice of mild-hybrid petrol, plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) or full electric power (in the Compass Electric), and this review tackles every version. There’s even an off-road-focused variant of the Electric model, called the 4xe.  

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The Compass is similar in size to the Kia Sportage (our current favourite family SUV) and slightly smaller than the super-practical Skoda Kodiaq, along with the Citroën C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland. The Compass Electric, meanwhile, faces adversaries as diverse as the Peugeot e-3008, Renault Scenic, Skoda Elroq, Smart #5 and the Vauxhall Grandland Electric.

Read on to find out how the Jeep Compass and Compass Electric rank against the best family SUVs and electric SUVs.

Overview

The Jeep Compass is worth considering for its off-road credentials, as well as its practical interior. However, it’s not as good to drive as the Kia Sportage; the same goes for the Compass Electric and the Skoda Elroq. We’d stick to the cheaper end of the trim range, in order to keep the price reasonable. The Compass 4xe, meanwhile, is the best option if you regularly tackle tricky terrain. 

What's new?

• July 2026: we drive the plug-in-hybrid Compass and the Compass 4xe
• November 2025: First UK deliveries take place
• October 2025: Compass production starts in Italy and orders open. First Edition trim only. Choice of 143bhp e-Hybrid and 210bhp Full Electric with 74kWh battery. Both are front-wheel drive

Pros

• Sensibly designed, user-friendly interior
• Well equipped
• Can cope with moderate off-road excursions

Cons

• Firm ride
• Spongey brake pedals in MHEV and PHEV
• Electric rivals are cheaper or stronger on range

What's new?

• July 2026: we drive the plug-in-hybrid Compass and the Compass 4xe
• November 2025: First UK deliveries take place
• October 2025: Compass production starts in Italy and orders open. First Edition trim only. Choice of 143bhp e-Hybrid and 210bhp Full Electric with 74kWh battery. Both are front-wheel drive

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Performance & drive

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is

How fast is it and which engine is best?

Badged the e-Hybrid, the petrol-engined version of the Jeep Compass is powered by the same 1.2-litre mild-hybrid unit found in the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland.

The 143bhp engine has no problems keeping up with traffic at low speeds, but the rate of acceleration tails off once you venture out of town. It’s best to switch into Sport mode, which encourages the engine to work harder with the electric motor to provide a bit more mid-range shove.

There’s a pause from the automatic gearbox when you need a burst of acceleration, though, and pulling the steering wheel mounted paddles to manually change isn’t always met with an immediate response. Most rivals, such as Kia Sportage and VW Tiguan have a bit more overtaking urge.

The plug-in-hybrid Compass combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and 18kWh battery. It has a total system output of 221bhp and, as you might’ve guessed, it feels noticeably punchier than the e-Hybrid. Still, its engine and gearbox can take a second to come alive when you ask for a big burst of power. 

The Compass Electric is actually a small step down in power (211bhp), but it’s still quick enough – acceleration is similar to that of the entry-level Skoda Elroq. For a substantial boost in performance, there’s the 370bhp Compass 4xe. Acceleration is pretty strong – it’s quick enough to challenge the Skoda Elroq vRS – plus the 4xe’s four-wheel drive setup comes in handy off-road. More on that in the next section. 

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

On-road agility isn’t a Compass forte. It handles well enough during everyday driving, mainly thanks to the precise steering. However, pick up the pace and you’ll be wishing for a bit more grip and composure. The Compass doesn’t inspire as much confidence as the Kia Sportage, Skoda Elroq or VW Tiguan. 

It doesn’t ride as smoothly as those rivals, either. Every Compass trips up when dealing with potholes and road imperfections and it doesn’t take much for the ride to start fidgeting. The plug-in hybrid is the worst offender, while the e-Hybrid’s ride is the least busy.  

Thankfully, the Compass earns some points back when it’s taken off the beaten track. Even the entry-level model can tackle fairly steep, winding dirt tracks with deep ruts. The Compass is also better at climbing over modest obstacles, thanks to a slightly higher ride height than the Peugeot e-3008 or Vauxhall Grandland Electric, while short front and rear bumpers are shaped to deal with steep inclines. 

The 4xe, mind you, is another step up. Its four-wheel-drive system gives it impressive grip and traction, while the 10mm raised ride height and redesigned bumpers give it better clearance over big obstacles. Sure, the Compass 4xe is no Jeep Wrangler, but it can tackle some properly tricky terrain. 

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

A modest level of road and wind noise filtering through into the Compass means their respective rivals are quieter and more relaxing to spend time in. You can also sometimes feel the coarseness of the road surface through the floor and seats.

You’d be right in thinking the lack of an engine makes the electric Compass the quietest option, but it suffers more from the wheels thumping into potholes. The PHEV is pretty bad for this, too.

When you put your foot down, the PHEV is also quite loud and clattery in terms of engine noise. Thankfully, the mild-hybrid is quieter, staying relatively hushed even when you put your foot down. A problem the two versions share, however, is a soft, spongy brake pedal. 

By contrast, the brake pedal in the Electric has more positive weighting that makes it easier to judge your inputs. That’s down to its regenerative braking system, which recovers energy that would be lost under deceleration and turns it into electricity to feed back into the battery. Many such systems bring an unnatural feel to the brake pedal, but in the Compass you don’t feel the technology handing over to the conventional brakes, and that makes it easy to pull up smoothly to a halt.

You can use the paddles on the back of the steering wheel to increase the braking effect, with three levels to choose from. None of them are particularly strong but the braking effect builds up smoothly. Alternatively a one-pedal driving mode can be selected by pressing a button on the dash, which is strong enough to bring the car almost to a stop.

What’s the range and efficiency like, and how quickly can it charge?

The Compass Electric comes with a 73kWh (usable capacity) battery that’s officially good for 310 miles on a full charge. That’s similar to the Peugeot e-3008 and Vauxhall Grandland Electric. The Compass 4xe officially hits 370 miles thanks to its bigger, 94kWh battery.

The plug-in hybrid Compass has an official electric range of 57 miles. That figure is about average, given the equivalent Peugeot 3008 is rated at 52 miles and the VW Tiguan 75 miles. 

The Compass Electric can accept charge speeds of up to 160 kW, enabling a 20-80% charge in 31 minutes. The Skoda Enyaq takes about the same time, but the Kia EV6 (with a 300kW peak charging rate) takes much less time to charge.

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

Inside, you’ll not find as many plush surfaces as in the Peugeot 3008 (and, to a lesser extent, the Vauxhall Grandland); soft-touch surfaces are limited to the higher regions of the dashboard and doors and the lid of the centre console. Passengers in the rear won’t find any at all. The Kia Sportage is noticeably more plush inside, while the Volvo XC40 is far more upmarket but doesn’t cost significantly more.

However, while the surfaces are nothing special in the Compass, its construction feels sturdy. In fact, when you factor in the wetsuit-like upholstery and rubberised switches on the centre console and steering wheel, the Compass feels well equipped to withstand the spilled squash, chocolatey fingers and kicking feet of family life.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

While its relatives raise you a fair distance from the ground, the Compass’s higher ground clearance places you that bit further up, so you get a great view out and get to look down slightly on Kia Sportage owners. Rearward and over-the-shoulder visibility is decent by family SUV standards, thanks to the big side windows. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, while a rear-view camera is standard on First Edition and Summit trims. Bright LED Matrix headlights are also standard on these higher-spec trim levels.

The seat itself is comfortably sculpted and while electric adjustment is optional as part of a pack (which also includes a massage function), the manual seats are easy to use and include adjustable lumbar support. You sit nicely in line with the steering wheel and pedals, the former of which has plenty of height and reach adjustment for tall and shorter folk alike.

Is the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

The slim 10.25in digital display screen behind the steering wheel might look a little slim compared with rivals, but it’s sharp and offers a few layout options.

Right next to the driver’s display, every Compass has a 16in infotainment screen with clear, attractive icons that are big enough not to be too fiddly. The screen is pleasingly responsive to touches but the menus aren’t structured as clearly as they are in a Hyundai Tucson or a Kia Sportage. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard so you can use your preferred smartphone navigation app in preference to the car’s sat-nav, although we found the connection a bit unstable.

Voice control is available but it can be a bit hit-and-miss; while it could select our chosen radio station, it couldn’t bring up Apple Carplay.

More positively, the Compass provides a long row of physical buttons below the infotainment screen. These provide direct access to certain infotainment menus as well as key climate control functions. True, physical climate control knobs would be still more convenient, but when the outer extremes of the infotainment screen permanently display large icons nearby for the two climate control zones, adjusting the temperature is easy enough.

First Edition and Summit-spec cars benefit from a wireless phone-charging tray and an upgraded sound system by Focal, which sounds clear and punchy.

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

How much space does it have for people?

Strip off the Jeep Compass’s combat fatigues and you’ll find the same basic underpinnings used by the smart-casual Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland. However, Jeep has given the Compass a slightly longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) than its stablemates to improve on its predecessor’s interior space.

You’d have to be quite extreme in proportions before you had any problem fitting in the front of the Compass. A six-footer with broad shoulders runs no risk of feeling hemmed in, and there’s enough seat adjustment for smaller folk to feel at home, too. Basketball players and rugby prop forwards are well served for headroom, even in cars with the panoramic glass sunroof.

The rear seats, likewise, are very accommodating for people of all sizes, helped by 55mm more leg room than in the outgoing car. Our lanky front-seat occupants would happily be able to sit behind themselves, and head room is in no shorter supply than it is in the front. We’d avoid the optional panoramic roof, which eats into head room and leaves a six-footer brushing their head on the ceiling.

The Electric version has a slightly raised floor in the rear, which means you can’t stretch out your legs as much and fully tuck your feet underneath the front seats. Thankfully, the floor isn’t so high that you end up sitting uncomfortably with your knees raised.

Adding a third rear passenger between the outer pair does make things cosy, but at least the centre occupant’s feet have only a small floor hump to negotiate, so they’ll not feel too cramped.

There’s lots of interior storage opportunities; the door pockets will easily take a 1.0-litre water bottle, and there are deep cubbies in the centre console, a sizeable glovebox and a large open tray built into the top of the dashboard.

How much room does it have for luggage?

Almost every Compass has a 550-litre boot – the exception is the 4xe (515 litres) – and that matches the Vauxhall Grandland. It’s also a similar size to those of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, but it’s a lot smaller than that of the Skoda Kodiaq and Smart #5. It’s a very usable square shape, though, and the opening is wide, tall and uncluttered, so it shouldn’t be too much of a chore to slide in awkward cargoes like bicycles or pushchairs.

The rear seatback splits and folds in a flexible 40/20/40 arrangement, but there aren’t any levers to release them remotely from the boot opening (these are standard in the Tucson and Sportage). When the seats are folded down, an adjustable boot floor enables a flat load bay from the door opening to the front seatbacks. First Edition and Summit bring a hands-free powered tailgate.

The rear seats don’t slide to and fro to balance interior room against boot space, though; that’s a choice you get in the Ford Kuga and Renault Austral, and the Skoda Karoq’s Varioflex option is even better, allowing you to remove the rear seats altogether.

Buying & owning

Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

Looking at the entry-level e-Hybrid, the Compass is priced head-to-head with the entry-level Vauxhall Grandland and undercuts the Peugeot 3008. However, a Kia Sportage can be had for less, while a Volvo XC40 isn’t much more.

You do get a good level of standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control, two-zone climate control, a rear armrest and interior ambient lighting. Higher trim levels come with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, an illuminated grille, and rear privacy glass.

Likewise, the Compass Electric is competitive against a similarly equipped Vauxhall Grandland Electric, but it’s undercut by some versions of the Skoda Elroq – including models with a bigger battery and a longer range.

While the plug-in hybrid will cost less in company car tax than the mild hybrid petrol, the Compass Electric will make even more sense because its low CO2 output brings the lowest possible BIK tax rating. As with other plug-in hybrids – you’ll need to keep the battery charged up as much as possible to maximise fuel economy.

Speaking of which, the petrol-engined Compass officially returns around 50mpg – a similar figure to the Peugeot 5008 and Vauxhall Grandland.

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

The latest Jeep Compass is too new to feature in our annual Reliability Survey, and too few Jeep owners participated in our most recent survey for the brand to appear in the rankings.

Every Jeep sold in the UK comes with a three-year, 60,000 mile warranty, which is on par with Vauxhall, but is less generous than Hyundai (five year, unlimited mileage) or Kia (seven years, 100,000 miles).

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

Safety experts, Euro NCAP, awarded the Compass a four star rating (out of five) when it was crash tested in 2025. That matches the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland, with identical ratings in terms of adult and child protection in a collision.

All versions come with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and speed-limit sign recognition.

Buy it if…

- You’d like a family SUV with a bit of off-road capability

- You want an interior that’s designed to cope with a bit of mess

- You’re a fan of Jeep’s outdoorsy styling

Don’t buy it if…

- You’re looking for a luxurious interior

- You want a family SUV that feels sporty

- You’re working to a really tight budget

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