Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass has been a runaway hit in the Indian market ever since its launch. The 2021 version takes things further by several notches, offering a more premium SUV for connoisseurs.

How’s the Design?

The Jeep Compass comes with a new front fascia and 7-slat grille in tandem with sleeker projector LED headlamps. There is also more detailing for the SUV currently along with a split air dam. There is also a top slated portion which has brand new LED fog lamps along with a big honeycombed portion beneath, creating a clean design overall. The new Compass gets several design enhancements and looks the part more in terms of a global SUV. There are stylish 18-inch alloy wheels for the car as well. The rear bumper also gets some tweaks.

How does it perform?

The Compass offers all the options you want, right from diesel and petrol engines to automatic and manual transmission systems. You can also choose between 4X2 and 4X4 options. The turbo petrol engine has good outputs and is paired to 6-speed manual or DCT units while the turbocharged diesel engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission system. This is not the quickest that you will find but works well in congested city traffic. The 4X4 option is unavailable with the petrol model. The petrol MT configuration is only there for the base version as well. The diesel engine does get the 6-speed MT choice as well.

The diesel engine is refined and powerful, being ideal for the highway and city alike. It has excellent low-end responses along with great pull right around the 2000 RPM mark. You will love pushing this engine although the gearbox tuning could have improved more. The AT unit feels slightly hesitant at times and that is a minor drawback. The engine is sportier in the manual guise although that has a heavier clutch. The petrol is as smooth as you would expect and does reasonably well in varied conditions. The engine is overall responsive and offers a punchy driving experience. The SUV also feels slightly faster than before.

How’s the mileage?

• City- 10.98 kmpl
• Highway- 15.45 kmpl
• Overall- 12.09 kmpl

How’s the driving experience?

The Jeep Compass drives excellently with a light and easy feel while in congested traffic and it also remains nimble and stable at higher speeds. It does feel slightly rough when the speeds are low although the Compass takes rough roads and potholes with ease. There is limited body roll and the bouncy feeling is almost non-existent. The Compass also offers great cornering with precise throttle and steering inputs. The AWD setup works brilliantly for adjusting and managing overall grip levels. The Compass stands out for its brilliant driving dynamics and overall handling. Ride quality is also superb and you instantly feel more confident while piloting the car on the highway and even on city roads. The suspension system has been tuned nicely although parking speeds may make the SUV feel slightly bulky.

How is its off-road capability?

The 4X4 mode is available with the 4-Low mode in the Compass. The SUV comes with 18-inch tyres that offer superior grip, along with AWD as well. Visibility is sometimes limited due to the chunky pillars although the 360-degree camera is a boon in this case. The Compass can take most hurdles quite easily if you can maneuver with suitable throttle and brake movements. Ground clearance is sufficient although some stretches may lead to underbelly scrapes. Hill descent control is also useful in this case. You will also get various modes like Snow, Auto and Sand/Mud. While not a hardcore off-roader, the Jeep Compass does manage to hold its own on rough trails.

What’s the interior like?

The new update has led to Jeep sprucing up the overall interior look and feel. The dashboard has been revamped and looks premium with the new all-black shade. The design is neatly incorporated with a sense of richness inside. The air vents are sleek and are integrated nicely into the cabin as well. The touch points are softer and feel premium as well. There are big buttons for dual-zone climate control, the audio-system (Alpine system with 9 speakers) and the infotainment unit which has rotary controls. There is a toggle switch for AWD and wireless charging as well. There is also a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats. There is a 10.25 inch digital instrument console with several layouts and readouts. The four-spoke steering wheel is a nice touch along with comfortable front seats with improved support. The seats have vinyl upholstery and black leather trims. The boot lid is electrically operated now. Legroom and headroom are also sufficient although width is on the lower side, meaning that three people at the back could be a little tight.

Tech and Infotainment

The Jeep Compass gets wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster with multiple layouts, AWD, dual-zone climate control and a 10.1 inch UConnect 5 infotainment unit with OTA updates and many connected car features. The system is based on Android and is easy to use. There is a power operated boot lid and an Alpine sound system. There are also ventilated and 8-way powered front seats with memory functions for the driver’s seat and a sunroof.

Safety Equipment

The Jeep Compass comes with six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic roll mitigation, electronic parking brake, hill start assist, and ESC among other safety features.

Which variant to buy?

The Longitude O and S variants of the Compass are higher value propositions. The former is the ideal budget variant which has all the basic features that you desire including 17-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay/Android auto, ESC, rear AC, reverse camera, hill-start assist, 7-inch instrument console, 10.1 inch infotainment touch screen, dual-zone climate control, auto-folding mirrors, and proximity sensors along with more connectivity attributes. If you can stretch it, choose the S variant which gets the panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers and headlamps, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory functions, electric tailgate, auto-dimming interior mirror, side and curtain airbags, dual-tone color scheme, front seat ventilation, LED projector headlights, TPMS, wireless charging, a 9-speaker audio unit, 10.2 inch digital instrument cluster and more. You get more features for the extra amount that you pay.

Which cars compete in this segment?

The Jeep Compass takes on a wide bunch of rivals including the Mahindra Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroen C5 Aircross and others. The Tucson is the longest of the lot while the C5 Aircross is the widest and tallest. The Tucson also has the longest wheelbase. The Jeep Compass, however, has lower starting prices for its diesel and petrol versions and its engine power is somewhere in the middle. Add brand value and the overall off-road abilities to the mix and you still have the Compass as a great option in the segment.

Verdict (Value for Money)

The new Jeep Compass gets bunch of technology and safety features, a stylish design, off-roading abilities, and of course, powerful engines. It offers great drivability as well. It is costlier now although the overall brand value, experience, and road presence should make it worth it.