The 2019 Jeep Compass is offered in 5 distinct trim levels; Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Trailhawk and Limited. All trims are powered by the same 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-feet of torque. The engine features stop-start technology to increase fuel efficiency, and Jeep claims the Compass can deliver up to 30 mpg on the highway. Power is sent to the wheels through a choice of 6-speed manual transmission, 6-speed automatic transmission, or some models get a 9-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive is standard on all trims, except the Trailhawk, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. In 4x4 configuration, the new Compass benefits from two advanced systems -- Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. The former provides full-time 4x4 capability, while the latter offers a 20:1 crawl ratio. Both systems include Selec-Terrain, which provides several modes for driving, including Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud.
Styling for the 2018 Compass is quite attractive and modern and it's easy to see the family resemblance to the bigger Cherokee, and a historical nod to all Jeeps with its distinctive 7-slot grille. With a sleek roofline, sculpted, high-shoulder profile and wide stance, the Compass is unmistakably Jeep. It rides on a fully independent suspension with a front and rear strut system that features advanced damping. Electric power steering offers precise control behind the wheel at low and high speeds. Rigidity and weight are both optimized thanks to a structure comprised of 65-percent high-strength steel.
The interior of the Compass gets a lot attention to detail in every surface and material. The Sport trim features a Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker audio system, 3.5-inch driver information display and dual-zone temperature control.
A step up to the Latitude trim adds premium cloth and vinyl seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote keyless entry, fog lamps and larger 17-inch wheels.
The Altitude trim adds black accents throughout the interior and exterior of the Compass. The black styling includes gloss black exterior accents, black grille, black painted roof, piano black interior accents and 18-inch black aluminum wheels.
The Limited trim features the strongest feature set. Standard features include heated leather front seats, heated steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors, 8-way power driver seat, 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect 4 infotainment system, automatic dual-zone climate control and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels.
On highly capable Trailhawk model, features are highly focused on off-road performance and only with all-wheel drive. Standard features include premium cloth and leather-trimmed seats, gloss black painted roof, black hood decal, red tow hooks, underbody skid plate protection and an off-road focused suspension. offers a Rock mode, along with increased ride height. Other available features on the Trailhawk include a Selec-Terrain System which features a Rock driving mode, in addition to hill-descent control and the ability to ford up to 19 inches of water.
Available safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic detection. Anti-lock brakes, stability control and seven airbags are all standard.
Distinctive Styling
Versatile Layout For People And Gear
Maneuverability
Off-road Capability
Fuel-efficient
Competitive Pricing
For 2019, the Jeep Compass gets a few changes to the options packages. A new Upland Edition trim package is available which bring in some of the styling from the Trailhawk trim. Another new trim package is the High Altitude, which features several interior and exterior upgrades. Both the Sport and Latitude will come with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. And finally, adaptive cruise control is now offered as an option.
The Jeep Compass is one of the lowest-priced off-road capable utility vehicles on the market. With distinctive styling reminiscent of the upscale Cherokee, it's also a standout design in a crowded segment. Ease of parking and maneuverability remain strengths for the model and it's also reasonably fuel-efficient at an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway. When properly equipped, the Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds. And its off-road prowess is rooted in Jeep's legacy of go-anywhere, do-anything capability, particularly in the Trailhawk variant.
