2020 Jeep Compass Review
The 2020 Jeep Compass is a decent compact SUV, yet it falls behind on several fronts. Find out why it's unique in our comprehensive review.
2020 Jeep Compass – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2020 Jeep Compass on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Jeep Compass?
In 2020, the Jeep Compass received several minor updates. The base Sport trim level is now available with things like blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and the like. The Safety and Security package offers even more additional features. Top tier models, such as the Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trim levels, were upgraded with a Luxury Seat package that incorporates a power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, and memory driver’s seat. These three models also have the new Alpine sound system.
The Breakdown
Great for off-roading
Easy-to-use infotainment controls
Gentle ride
Sluggish acceleration
Limited standard safety features
Tiny cargo hold
Cumbersome handling
2020 Compass Specs
- 180 horsepower from base engine
- 175 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 27.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 59.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs
- 8.4″ display available on some trims
- Additional safety features on base models
- 5-year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty
2020 Jeep Compass Powertrain
Compared to other top models in its class, the 2020 Jeep Compass falls behind when it comes to the powertrain. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, yet it isn’t enough to effortlessly move this SUV.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the 2020 Jeep Compass, but four-wheel drive is also available. The transmission comes in either a six-speed manual or automatic, but it is available in a nine-speed option on 4WD models only.
While the six-speed transmission keeps up okay, the nine-speed automatic transmission, found in the Trailhawk, struggles to keep up and is slow to shift. The suspension is good and will easily absorb inconsistencies in the road, but there is a substantial body roll, making the steering feel uneven at times.
Towing & Payload
The 2020 Jeep Compass can tow 2,000 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,273 pounds when properly equipped. Its towing capacity is fairly standard for a compact SUV, although it is on the low end compared to slightly larger SUV options.
2020 Jeep Compass Fuel Economy & MPG
When it comes to fuel economy, the 2020 Jeep Compass falls behind again. In comparison to other similar models, its fuel estimates are below average. The six-speed manual FWD option gets 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, while upgrading to 4WD gets 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The springing for the six-speed automatic with 4WD doesn’t change the estimate. The nine-speed automatic with 4WD gets 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2020 Jeep Compass is passable in terms of interior comfort with its well-built cabin featuring various finishing touches, but several rivals surpass it with premium materials. It can comfortably seat five people in its two rows, allowing ample head and legroom, even for adults. The heated and ventilated front seats, which come in several trim packages, are an excellent way to remain comfortable, regardless of the temperature.
Compared to other competitors, the Compass lags again in terms of cargo space. It only offers 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the back seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Nearly every rival provides more cargo space in their compact SUVs.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2020 Jeep Compass integrates the Uconnect infotainment system, which is well-known for its usability, responsiveness, crisp graphics, and logical arrangement of menus. It is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices. Some models come with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen display and six-speaker stereo, while top models come with an 8.4-inch display and a 9-speaker Alpine stereo.
Safety Features
Some safety features are available on the base 2020 Jeep Compass Sport trim level, but unfortunately, aren’t standard on all models. Features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning are available in the Advanced Safety Group option for $945. In a different safety package, also available for $945, you can get features like blind-spot monitoring.
2020 Jeep Compass Trims and Pricing
Sport – $23,775
The standard equipment in the 2020 Jeep Compass Sport includes a six-speed manual transmission, steel wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. For entertainment purposes, this model comes with a seven-inch touch screen display, two USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, and is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Latitude – $27,120
The Jeep Compass Latitude is next in line, following the Sport package. In addition to the standard equipment found in the Sport option, the Latitude package includes premium cloth upholstery, roof rails, and alloy wheels. It also comes with satellite radio and proximity keyless entry. Like the Jeep Compass Sport, the six-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Latitude package.
North Edition – $23,780
This model comes with all of Latitude’s features, plus a few extras. The North Edition level features gloss black exterior accents, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and navigation with SiriusXM Traffic. Additionally, it comes with an 8.4-inch touch screen display and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
Altitude – $28,540
Next up is the Jeep Compass Altitude, which is similar to the Latitude package, save for a few changes. This model features two-tone exterior paint and a gloss black roof, a black grille with black rings, and 18-inch black aluminum wheels. The gloss black badging, black window moldings, and lower rear valance are consistent with the color scheme.
Limited – $30,640
In the Jeep Compass Limited model, several additional upgrades grace the cabin. Instead of a 7-inch display, this package comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Additionally, there is a 7-inch LCD driver display and leather seats. The front seats and steering wheel are heated for ultimate comfort, and the driver’s seat has eight-way power-adjustable capabilities. Remote start is standard on this model. Specific models include ventilated front seats as well as an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Trailhawk – $31,345
The 2020 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is the off-road trim package. This model trades the six-speed manual transmission for a nine-speed automatic transmission. Features such as skid plates, off-road suspension, tow hooks, and hill descent control are also included in the off-road trim level. The Trailhawk also comes with the Jeep Active Drive Low four-wheel-drive system capable of low-range gearing.
High Altitude – $32,145
The Jeep Compass High Altitude model is available in front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. The FWD model comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 4WD model comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This trim package comes with the same features as the Limited, along with 19-inch satin-finish alloy wheels, gunmetal interior accents, HID headlights and LED taillights. However, this package comes with a nine-speaker Alpine sound system instead of the six-speaker stereo.
Warranties
The 2020 Jeep Compass comes with a limited warranty covering 3 years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty covering 5 years or 60,000 miles. Unlike some of Jeep’s competitors, there is no complimentary maintenance offered.
What we think
2020 Jeep Compass – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2020 Jeep Compass on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Jeep Compass is an okay choice, as it is more affordable than other similar vehicles offered by rivals. However, the lower price sacrifices things like safety features, a sizable cargo hold, and peppy acceleration. On the plus side, it offers a gentle ride and straightforward infotainment controls and can be a great off-roader.
