What Is the 2021 Jeep Compass?
The Jeep Compass compact SUV seats five and is powered by a 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Six- and nine-speed automatic transmissions are offered. 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 2021 Jeep Compass?
Uplevel Trailhawk and Limited trims gain forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. There’s also a new 80th Anniversary Edition that features 19-inch wheels with a granite-crystal finish, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote start, an 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia system with navigation and special badging and trim. Â
What Features in the 2021 Jeep Compass Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- Heated side mirrors
- Push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
- Cloth upholstery
- 60/40-split rear seat
- 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
Available features include:
- Panoramic moonroof
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Alpine premium stereo
2021 Jeep Compass Vs. 2021 Chevrolet Equinox: How Do They Compare?
The Chevrolet Equinox offers a similarly ho-hum base engine, but it 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 easy-to-use 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.Â
Should I Buy the 2021 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 is slow to respond.
