Used Jeep Compass 2017-present review

The original Jeep Compass was a solid workhorse with the sort of looks only its mother could love. It was launched in 2007, but by 2011 the US firm had decided to spruce it up with a facelift and some underskin tweaking that all hinted at the larger and more stylish Grand Cherokee model.

For this second generation version, Jeep really upped that style factor, so much so that it now manages to combine a healthy dose of sophistication with its muscular off-road 4x4 butchness, the better to sweep up new family buyers drawn by its looks. It sits in the Jeep range between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee, actually sitting on a stretched version of the Renegade platform, but you need more than a recognisable name and a rugged handsomeness to succeed in the competitive SUV world, which offers cars in all shapes and sizes and even in forms to fit all budgets.

There’s a good range of engines, to further its case, and the option of either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Petrol-powered Compasses kick off with a 1.4-litre unit in two power outputs, and diesel-powered ones offer a 1.6-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre engine, once again in two differing outputs with 138 or 168bhp.

Trim-wise, there’s something for everyone. In terms of kit, the entry-level Compass Sport comes with a 5.0in touchscreen is as standard, along with Jeep’s latest UConnect system. The touchscreen is bright and responsive, but not quite as intuitive as the best in class.

Up the ante to the next trim up, Longitude, and you’ll get better value. The wheels are an inch smaller, but included as standard are a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the larger 8.4in touchscreen and dual-zone climate control. Limited and Trailhawk models also get the larger 8.4in screen, as well as larger alloys and more luxurious interiors.

On the road, the Compass is a mixed bag. It’s unsettled by slight road imperfections and never feels truly comfortable. It pitches heavily and rolls in bends, too. Its steering is light and incredibly vague, making accurate or fast driving a matter of faith and trust. None of the various engine options makes the Compass feel particularly quick, and nearly all of them are remarkably unrefined. Countered against all this, the four-wheel drive versions of this car are all pretty good off-road, and easily capable of traversing muddy fields, broken-up country lanes and grassy knolls.

Inside, there’s a commanding driving position set high, with plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and seat. The dashboard layout is a little cluttered and confusing, though most of the functions are now controlled through the touchscreen. Unfortunately, some interior materials feel cheap and the fit and finish generally isn’t a match for rivals.

Space up front is plentiful, and so it proves to be in the rear, with masses of leg room and good head room. Three can be sat side by side for shorter journeys, too, without much discomfort. The boot has rather a large lip at the entrance, and is quite narrow due to the wheel arches intruding. However, there’s a reasonable amount of space, and there’s an adjustable floor too, which is useful.

Prices start at around £17,000 for an early 2017 Compass, either petrol or diesel, bought with an average mileage for the year and a full service history, from an independent dealer. Up the folding to between £18,000 and £20,000 to net a higher trim level car or a lower mileage model or a car from a franchised dealer, or even a 2018 car that satisfies much of the same criteria. Between £20,000 and £25,000 will get you a large choice of nearly new cars from Jeep main dealers with nominal mileages.

On paper, the most economical Compass is the 1.6 Multijet 120 diesel version, with an official fuel consumption figure of 64.2mpg, according to the older NEDC tests, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 117g/km. The 2.0 diesel isn’t far behind, with official figures of 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 138g/km. The 1.4 Multiair petrol claims an official 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 143g/km.

Cars registered before the tax changes of April 2017 came into force are charged annual car tax (VED) according to CO2 emissions, while those registered after pay a flat rate, currently £140 a year. It’s worth making sure your Compass didn’t cost more than £40,000 new, which in theory a heavily optioned, top-spec model just could have, because you’d then have to pay a supplementary luxury car tax, currently £310 a year.

Servicing will be more expensive than for some rivals, although parts should be plentiful and reasonably cheap as the modern Jeep shares a lot of its underpinnings with contemporary Fiat models.

The 1.6 diesel isn’t as quick as the 2.0 diesel, but it’s a heck of a lot more refined, as well as being more economical, so that’s the one we’d choose. We’d also go for the front-wheel-drive version rather than the four-wheel drive one, unless of course you do a lot of off-roading. As far as trims go, we’d keep the used car cost down by seeking out the Sport version, which has all the equipment you could reasonably want or need.

Our favourite Jeep Compass:1.6 Multijet 120 Sport 2WD

The Volkswagen Tiguan carries almost iconic status in this category. It has a spacious and practical interior, is good to drive and comes with plenty of standard kit. It’s pricey, even used, but it’ll hold its value well and should prove reliable. It’s certainly a more sophisticated product than the Compass.

The Volvo XC40 was our overall What Car? Car of the Year when it was first launched, and we still love it now. It’s very grown up, with a range of punchy and refined (and fairly economical) engine options, it’s solidly constructed and has a lovely interior, with plenty of soft-touch materials. It’s classy and good looking, and comfortable too.

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