The Jeep Compass has carved a niche for itself in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with rivals like the Tata Harrier, Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Hyundai Tucson. Positioned with a Jeep Compass Price range spanning from Rs 20.69 lakh to Rs 32.27 lakh (ex-showroom), it distinguishes itself by offering both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrain options within the sub-Rs 35 lakh category.
In a market brimming with compelling alternatives, the Compass recently received a subtle refresh, building upon the more substantial update of 2021. But does this revised iteration sufficiently elevate the Compass to be your top pick within this price bracket? This comprehensive review delves into the details to help you determine if the Jeep Compass price aligns with its value proposition.
Key Impressions of the Jeep Compass
Alt: Jeep Compass key fob with proximity sensor and remote lock/unlock features, highlighting its somewhat basic plastic design.
Even in this top-tier configuration, the Jeep Compass key presents a slightly underwhelming feel. The presence of three vacant slots appears somewhat peculiar, and the key predominantly utilizes a plastic casing, save for the smooth, rubber-like texture encircling the buttons. It incorporates a proximity sensor for convenient unlocking as you approach the vehicle, alongside remote locking and unlocking functionalities accessible through the connected car technology.
Design and Road Presence
Alt: Front three-quarter view of the Jeep Compass showcasing its signature grille and muscular design elements.
Barring subtle refinements to the iconic Jeep grille and the introduction of stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, the Compass’s overall design architecture remains largely unchanged. It retains its robust and muscular aesthetic, characterized by an assertive upright front fascia, pronounced wheel arch cladding, and ruggedly styled bumpers.
Alt: Side profile of the Jeep Compass emphasizing its cladded wheel arches and overall SUV silhouette.
Consequently, the Jeep Compass continues to command considerable road presence, a defining aspect of its visual appeal. However, in contrast to some of its more contemporary competitors, it projects a somewhat less modern image, leaning towards a more traditional SUV styling. This old-school charm is evident, and the Compass could benefit from incorporating more contemporary lighting elements, particularly at the rear. Nevertheless, the timeless design of the Compass suggests it will maintain its appeal for years to come.
Boot Space and Practicality
Alt: Open boot of the Jeep Compass demonstrating its 408-liter cargo capacity and powered tailgate feature.
The inclusion of a powered tailgate significantly simplifies accessing the Compass’s boot. While its 408-liter cargo capacity might not lead the segment in terms of sheer volume, it remains adequate for accommodating luggage for a weekend family excursion.
With strategic arrangement of the parcel shelf, the boot can comfortably house a complete suitcase set along with a duffle bag. For expanded storage needs, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split configuration. However, it’s worth noting that they do not fold completely flat with the boot floor, potentially requiring a bit more effort when loading larger items.
Interior Ambiance and Comfort
Alt: Interior view of the Jeep Compass front cabin, highlighting the all-black theme and soft-touch materials.
The Jeep Compass not only conveys a sense of robustness externally but also translates this solidity to its interior. Soft-touch materials are generously employed throughout the cabin, and this top-spec variant features an all-black interior theme, lending a sporty and sophisticated ambiance.
While some may prefer lighter color palettes for a more airy cabin feel, the all-black theme arguably complements the Compass’s rugged character. In terms of seating comfort, the seats provide ample support for long journeys, though their cushioning leans towards the firmer side. Both driver and front passenger benefit from 8-way power-adjustable seats, ensuring a wide range of customization for finding an optimal driving position.
Alt: Driver’s perspective from the Jeep Compass, emphasizing the broad A-pillar and potential blind spot issue.
Despite the availability of an ideal driving position, visibility is not without its limitations. The A-pillar is quite substantial, creating a noticeable blind spot that necessitates extra caution. Even rear passengers experience a somewhat restricted outward view from the windows.
Second Row Seating Experience
Alt: Rear seats of the Jeep Compass, illustrating legroom and headroom space for passengers.
While the second row of the Compass offers reasonable comfort, it doesn’t quite match the spaciousness of some competitors. In fact, the rear seat room isn’t significantly more generous than that found in lower-segment SUVs like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos. Seating three adults abreast can be a squeeze, particularly on longer trips. Furthermore, the prominent central tunnel intrudes on middle passenger foot and knee room, adding to discomfort.
The seat base design provides adequate under-thigh support, and knee room is acceptable. However, if the front seats are positioned at their lowest setting, footroom can become somewhat constrained. Headroom is also somewhat limited, potentially making taller occupants feel less comfortable in the rear.
Alt: Rear passenger perspective inside the Jeep Compass, focusing on the sunroof and overall space perception.
Consequently, the second-row experience in the Compass isn’t its strongest suit, especially if you envision it primarily as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. It lacks the expansive feeling offered by some rivals. While opening the sunroof enhances the sense of airiness, it doesn’t fundamentally alter the overall space limitations.
Practicality and Storage Solutions
Alt: Interior door panel of the Jeep Compass showcasing the 1-liter bottle holder and additional storage space.
The Compass excels in terms of in-cabin practicality. All four doors feature 1-liter bottle holders, supplemented by additional storage behind them for smaller items. A dedicated wireless charging pad for smartphones also serves as a convenient compartment for wallets and keys when not charging. Two generously sized cup holders are located in the center console, along with a designated slot for the car key – a thoughtful touch. Furthermore, a deep storage bin is located beneath the central armrest.
Alt: Center console area of the Jeep Compass highlighting the wireless charging pad, cup holders, and storage compartments.
The glovebox provides adequate storage volume, and front occupants benefit from both type-C and type-A USB charging ports. Rear passengers are catered to with a USB port and a 12V socket positioned beneath the rear AC vents for their charging needs. Small door pockets are also integrated into the rear doors, and two cup holders are incorporated into the rear center armrest.
Feature Set and Technology
Alt: 10.1-inch infotainment system of the Jeep Compass displaying the user interface and wireless connectivity options.
The Jeep Compass is equipped with virtually every feature expected in a contemporary family SUV. The feature list is comprehensive, and their implementation is generally impressive. The centerpiece is the 10.1-inch infotainment system, which is difficult to fault. It operates swiftly, boasts attractive graphics, and is intuitively navigable. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay further enhance its appeal and seamless smartphone integration.
| Top-spec Jeep Compass Model S (O) Feature Highlights |
|---|
| 10.1-inch infotainment system |
| 10.2-inch digital driver’s display |
| 9-speaker sound system with Alpine subwoofer |
| Driver seat memory function |
| Auto Dimming IRVM |
| Rain sensing wipers |
| Auto folding ORVMs |
| Wireless phone charging |
| Connected car tech |
Alt: 10.2-inch digital driver’s display in the Jeep Compass showcasing customizable layouts and vehicle information.
Equally impressive is the Compass’s digital driver’s display. Mirroring the central infotainment system, it is sharp, responsive, and highly customizable. Users can tailor its layout to their preferences, choosing between digital or analog-style gauges. It relays a wealth of information, which some might find slightly overwhelming, but is undeniably useful.
Alt: Steering wheel of the Jeep Compass highlighting the intuitive controls for audio and other vehicle functions.
The sound system is also noteworthy, maintaining clarity even at higher volumes. Conveniently positioned buttons behind the steering wheel make managing audio functions while driving effortless, freeing up space on the steering wheel face for other controls.
While the Compass generally excels in feature execution, a few areas could be improved. For instance, the ventilated seats, while functionally effective, lack dedicated physical buttons and are controlled through the touchscreen, which can be distracting while driving.
Alt: Display of the 360-degree camera system in the Jeep Compass, noting its average graphics quality.
Secondly, the integration of the 360-degree camera system is not optimal, and both its execution and graphics quality could be enhanced. Some vehicles, even at significantly lower price points, offer a superior 360-degree camera feed.
Beyond these minor shortcomings, the inclusion of features like ambient lighting and heated seats would further enrich the Compass’s feature package and justify the Jeep Compass price even more.
Safety Features and Ratings
Alt: Safety features list of the Jeep Compass highlighting airbags, ISOFIX mounts, and electronic stability control.
The Compass’s safety suite is well-represented, with standard offerings including dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a suite of electronic aids like electronic stability control and roll mitigation. Higher-spec variants further bolster safety with the addition of 6 airbags and a 360-degree camera. A notable omission compared to some rivals is the absence of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features.
However, the Compass’s safety credentials extend beyond its feature list, evidenced by a full five-star safety rating awarded by Euro NCAP back in 2017. Bharat NCAP is yet to conduct crash testing on the Jeep Compass.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
Alt: Engine bay of the Jeep Compass showcasing the 2.0-liter diesel engine and automatic transmission.
The Compass retains the familiar 170 PS/350 Nm 2.0-liter diesel engine, shared with vehicles like the Tata Harrier and MG Hector. However, unlike those competitors, the Compass benefits from a 9-speed automatic transmission, which significantly elevates its driving experience.
In terms of noise and vibration, the engine exhibits a degree of clatter upon startup and some perceptible vibration at idle. While not excessively intrusive, it’s not the most refined engine in its class, though most drivers will acclimate to it over time.
Alt: Jeep Compass in motion on a highway, emphasizing its strong diesel engine performance and relaxed cruising ability.
The diesel engine’s performance is robust, and the gearbox tuning is well-suited for relaxed driving. The engine delivers ample power and effortlessly attains highway speeds.
However, the gearbox exhibits a slight delay in responsiveness when demanding quick acceleration from lower RPMs. In slower city driving conditions, it can occasionally feel somewhat indecisive, exhibiting frequent gear changes even with consistent throttle input.
Alt: Gear lever of the Jeep Compass, highlighting the option for manual gear control for more engaged driving.
Despite this occasional gear selection uncertainty, the overall operation remains smooth and jerk-free. Manual gear control is available via the gear lever, though the automatic tuning is generally effective enough to negate the need for manual intervention. The 9-speed automatic transmission also contributes to better fuel efficiency compared to some rivals. Real-world fuel economy has averaged over 10 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, with more conservative driving and highway cruising potentially yielding even better figures.
Ride Quality and Handling Prowess
Alt: Jeep Compass navigating a corner, showcasing its stable handling and controlled body roll.
The Compass has traditionally featured a firmer ride setup. Consequently, it can transmit some noise over sharp bumps and speed breakers. However, it exhibits commendable smoothness over uneven road surfaces and undulations, providing a comfortable ride for the most part, with only occasional side-to-side movement.
The combination of generous ground clearance and Jeep’s off-road heritage instills confidence when tackling challenging terrain or rough roads, mitigating concerns about potential vehicle damage.
Highway cruising is also comfortable, with the Compass effectively absorbing road imperfections. However, it’s in cornering scenarios where the Compass truly shines. For an SUV of its size, it demonstrates impressive handling and stability in corners. Body roll is well-managed, making driving in hilly or winding regions enjoyable.
The 4×4 drivetrain includes selectable driving modes (sand, snow, and auto), providing sufficient capability for light off-roading adventures.
Verdict: Justifying the Jeep Compass Price
Alt: Jeep Compass badge and logo, representing its brand reputation and rugged SUV characteristics.
Justifying the Jeep Compass price can be somewhat nuanced, despite its numerous positive attributes. The higher variants, particularly the top-spec Model S trim, reside on the expensive side, a factor that cannot be ignored. However, this Jeep Compass price secures a vehicle with robust build quality, a premium interior replete with features, and a rewarding driving experience complemented by genuine off-road aptitude.
Alt: Jeep Compass driving on a rocky off-road terrain, highlighting its 4×4 capability and ruggedness.
Beyond the absence of ADAS features, the Compass exhibits few shortcomings, even in safety considerations. However, potential buyers must acknowledge the compromise in rear-seat space. Therefore, if the premium Jeep Compass price aligns with your budget and your priorities emphasize driving engagement and robust build quality, the Compass is unlikely to disappoint. Furthermore, it provides the underlying assurance of a vehicle engineered for greater durability and the capability to confidently navigate off-road or challenging road conditions.
