What Is the 2020 Jeep Compass?
The Jeep Compass compact SUV was redesigned for the 2017 model year. It seats five and is powered by a 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and six- and nine-speed automatics are available. Front-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available; the four-wheel-drive system in the off-road-oriented Trailhawk trim level includes low-range gearing. Compass rivals include the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.
What’s New on the 2020 Jeep Compass?
Overall, not much has changed for the 2020 model year. Compass buyers can now add more safety features to the base Sport trim level. These features include things like rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and automatic high-beam headlights. Premium Alpine speakers are available on Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim levels.
What Features in the 2020 Jeep Compass Are Most Important?
Jeep bundles advanced safety features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist. In terms of comfort, there’s available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia system.
Trailhawk models feature a lifted suspension, off-road tires, skid plates, tow hooks, hill descent control and Jeep’s Active Drive Low four-wheel-drive system with a low range. This is the one you want if you’re planning on tackling difficult terrain.
2020 Jeep Compass Vs. 2020 Chevrolet Equinox: How Do They Compare?
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offers a similarly ho-hum base engine, though there’s a more powerful 252-hp, turbo four-cylinder available. Granted, the Equinox doesn’t have the four-wheel-drive hardware and all-terrain chops of the Jeep — especially in Trailhawk form. But not many compact SUV shoppers will traverse anything more rugged than a muddy parking lot at a local orchard or pumpkin patch. Both SUVs have superb multimedia systems and plenty of room in the front and back seats. Kudos to Chevy for including more standard active safety features on the Equinox.
Should I Buy the 2020 Jeep Compass?
This Compass is another solid step forward in terms of interior quality, comfort features, available safety items and tech touches. The Trailhawk trim also delivers off-road performance that shames pretty much every other compact SUV. It’s too bad the engine is sluggish and the nine-speed automatic’s responses are lazy.
