If you are an avid Jeep lover and already envision your next Jeep, with beautiful interiors and city-friendly packaging, you are going to love the 2020 Compass.
And with less than three months left in this decade, there’s no time like the present to start planning your 2020 ride. So, let’s get right to it. What exactly does the new Compass model promise? We’re glad you asked, honestly.
What’s New?
The second-generation Compass received several minor revisions. Most of which were to the Sport, the lower-priced model. However, the pricing is ambitious as the 2020 ranks behind crossovers and SUVs. Overall, brand loyalists will appreciate the practical cargo space, excellent infotainment system, off-road features, and well-known branding.
Packages
According to Just Jeeps, which supplies Jeep parts in Canada, you can order the Compass Sport with rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear parking sensors, and more from the Safety and Security package.
Plus, you can unlock enhancements like automatic high-beams, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, leather steering from the Advanced Saftey package. Access even more desirable content such as leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, and more from the Cold Weather package.
It’s, therefore, no surprise that the 2019 Compass models earned a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rating of four stars. However, Jeep has not made any of its driver-assistance safety technology standard on vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Luxury Seat package of power-adjustable, memory driver’s seat and ventilated front seats is inclusive for the Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk. An Alpine sound system and Velvet Red Pearl Coat paint palette is also an option available to this trio.
Prices:
- Sport: $23,600
- Latitude: $26,850
- Altitude: $28,270
- Limited: $29,900
- Trailhawk: $31,170
- High Altitude: $31,895
Throw in another $1,500 to have the optional all-wheel drive. However, it is standard for the Compass Trailhawk and a no-cost option on the Latitude.
It’s not the best value, but JustJeeps like the off-road equipment and visuals of the Trailhawk. We’d recommend the Compass Sport with the Saftey and Security package, Cold Weather Package, and all-wheel drive.
Features:
Adventurous, city-friendly package
Flashback a few years ago, you bought your Jeep vehicle with the iconic seven-slot grille for all the offroad bells and whistles. But now it only gets you around town. This time around, though, your off terrain capabilities won’t stand out in the city.
- Pro: Although it no longer has the go-anywhere, do-anything spirit, the Compass still handles off-road adventures when necessary.
- Con: The underpowered four-cylinder engine and interior quality are still subpar to crossovers and SUVs.
Its off-road capabilities are courtesy of the lifted suspension, Trailhawk trim, beefier tires, underbody skid plate, and advanced traction control. Together these upgrades work to protect vital components and provide a vehicle with more versatile functionalities. Other feature upgrades include first-gear hold feature, lockable center differential, and hill descent control.
Engine, Transmission, and Overall Performance
While every Compass has a lethargic four-cylinder engine, the choice is yours to opt into a nine-speed transmission that executes slow shifts. Available with both front- and all-wheel drive, the six-speed manual is the standard transmission for the Compass Sport and Latitude.
Despite the boxy profile, the 2020 Compass is capable on and off-road. Drivers who bought the all-wheel-drive will enjoy the automatic setting which twists wheels for solid planting on-road and terrain surfaces. There’s also Snow, Sand, and Mud modes allowing the Compass wheels to slip at varying amounts allowing for better traction. Jeeps test drive revealed a slight lean during tight cornering but in general, the vehicle rides well over most obstacles.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World MPG
When it comes to efficient fuel-economy and real-world MPG, it delivers like most competitors. The front- and all-wheel-drive models had negligible differences. And only the Compass Trailhawk missed its EPA rating by 1 mpg over the 200-mile course of Jeeps fuel-economy test.
Comfort and Cargo
Functional and comfortable. The high seat bottoms of the 2020 Compass provides full leg support to the four adult passengers they easily accommodate. Rest assured you will get your money’s worth for the interiors. These are not luxurious but adequate much like the competition. When folded the rear backseats angle upward, so when stowed only 17 carry-on suitcases held in the cargo space.
The Best Feature of the 2020 Compass?
The infotainment. You will be happy to know its standard across all models. The simple, well-organized touchscreen Uconnect system allows USB port and auxiliary input.
Warranty
- 3 years or 36,000 miles for the limited warranty
- 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain warranty
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Interesting related articles: “Read more about cars and other vehicles in our Automotive Section.”