Used Jeep Compass 2007-2014 review

The Jeep Compass was the brand’s answer to the growing popularity of the smaller, more manageable SUV. Jeep’s first attempt ran between 2007-2009, but it wasn’t until a heavily revised version was offered in the UK from 2011-2014 that Jeep had a car that was heading in the right direction.

The reason why the Compass was a break from the Jeep norm is that it was available with either front-wheel drive, or active four-wheel drive. Instead of a permanent system that drives all four wheels all of the time, the rear two are only engaged when the car’s computer detects that the front wheels are beginning to lose traction. This means that, even when equipped with four-wheel drive, the Compass is, for the most part, a front-wheel drive Jeep. No wonder the purists were worried.

In this vehicle’s home country of America, it was designed and built to sell for little more than £10,000. This does become very obvious when you step inside an early Jeep Compass; it’s a sea of cheap, hard plastics. This was altered after the 2011 refresh, where the upper parts of the dashboard and door cards got soft-touch plastics to make it look smarter inside.

To its credit, the Compass is very spacious. Head and leg room are all generous, with boot space aplenty and rear seats that fold flat to aid loading longer items. There are some neat touches, too, like the wipe-clean boot floor and a rechargeable torch.

Powering the Compass in petrol form is either a 154bhp 2.0-litre or 168bhp 2.4-litre. The larger engine is available with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), though be warned: despite having more power, the 2.4 never feels fast, especially with that CVT transmission.

If you want a diesel, you have a choice of a 138bhp 2.0-litre Volkswagen sourced unit, or a 161bhp 2.2-litre from Mercedes. Both diesels are endowed with much more pulling ability compared with the petrol and are more economical as well, though the 2.2 is quite noisy.

To drive, the Compass handles in quite a tidy fashion; with body movements that are kept in check well and steering that is precise and nicely weighted. The ride can be rather jittery, even though this is the first Jeep to offer all-round independent suspension. Mechanical refinement isn’t great either, as you get the occasional tremor through the steering column.

While it does have its flaws, the Jeep Compass is an accessible way into Jeep ownership and it brings with it some of the off-road know-how that the company is famed for. Tempted? Read on to find out everything else you need to know.

An early Jeep Compass with high mileage can be yours for just £1500, or a low mileage one for less than £4000. We would recommend spending more than that for a facelifted Compass, available from 2011 onwards. £6000 will get you one, while late-model 2.4 petrol examples with low-mileages top out at £13,000.

Running a Jeep Compass will not be as cheap as some, since it’s engines are quite large and therefore it will consume more fuel and put out greater emissions than rivals.

The 2.4-litre petrol is the worst performer with an official combined average of 32.5mpg and a rather high road tax figure of £305. The 2.0-litre petrol is a little better, with a combined figure of 37.2mpg and £220 of road tax.

There were two diesels used during the life of the Compass; with the early 2.0-litre diesel, the official combined figure is 43.5mpg and £240 tax, but the later 2.2-litre diesel is better at 46.3mpg and £190 road tax.

Servicing will be more expensive than mainstream rivals, but it should be less than a premium manufacturer would charge.

The range starts with Sport, which gets you air-conditioning, cruise control, 17in alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, along with an Aux input for the stereo. Sport+ improves on this with a USB connection and Bluetooth.

If you are interested in a Jeep Compass, though, you are more likely to find examples in high-spec Limited form. There is some additional chrome trim pieces on the outside, larger 18in alloy wheels and leather seats. You may also find on with the optional 6.5in touchscreen sat-nav system, but it is nothing particularly important to search for as it is likely to be out of date by now and your phone will do the job better. It does have a 30Gb hard drive for storing music and video, though, so it might be worthwhile if you like your music or you’re a budding film-maker.

The 70th Anniversary model is quite rare and it is more of a styling package that is hardly worth seeking out.

Diesel would be the way to go if you need to keep running costs to a minimum. It is also the best engine option because the petrol engines lack the torque to get the slightly heavy Compass moving. You will also get four-wheel drive with it.

Our favourite Jeep Compass: 2.2 CRD Limited

If you want a car that works well both on and off the road, then the Land Rover Freelander is the car to beat. It still has its flaws, but it is one of the most reliable Land Rovers made in recent times. It is a comfy drive and it also comes with a much more inviting interior than the Compass. You will have to pay a bit more for the Freelander, but it does feel like you’re getting more for your money.

If you want a low-priced alternative that is still quite capable off road, then the Dacia Duster is worth a look. Entry-level Access is perhaps a bit too basic (it doesn’t even have a radio as standard) but mid-level and above examples are much better equipped and don’t cost an unreasonable amount more. You won’t have the same commanding driving position, but it is a lot cheaper to run.

If you really must have a Jeep, then the much newer Jeep Renegade costs similar money to a late model Compass. And for that you are getting a much newer vehicle with a much more up-to-date infotainment system and lower running costs, all thanks to smaller petrol and diesel engines.

Find a used Jeep Compass in the What Car? Classifieds here

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here