We say The Compass looks tough but is as close to a soft-roader as Jeep makes. It's relatively cheap and well-equippd but basic.Performance There are four basic engines available with the Jeep Compass. At the bottom ofthe range is the 2.0-litre petrol unit that is only available in two wheel drive, clears 62mph in 10.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 115mph courtesy of its 154bhp output. The other petrol engine in the line-up is the largest in the range and comes in the form of a 168bhp 2.4-litre unit with all-wheel drive. That unit is slower to reach 62mph – in 10.7 seconds – but hits a bigger top speed of 116mph.With the Compass, it’s the diesel engines that hog the limelight. They kick off with a 134bhp 2.2-litre diesel powertrain that clears 62mph in a sedate 11.5 seconds before gearing up to a top speed of 125mph. The more powerful161bhp 2.2-litre all-wheel drive diesel is much faster, hitting 62mph in 9.8 seconds and matching its top speed.Emissions Unsurprisingly it’s the smallest diesel engine that’s the best in terms of emissions and fuel economy with the Compass. The 134bhp 2.2-litre unit returns more than 46mpg and emits 161g/km – some way off emissions and economy figures achieved by some of its rivals.The least efficient version is the 2.4-litre 168bhp petrol engine. The largest engine in the range returns 32.8mpg and emits 199g/km making it costly to run.Driving The Compass is an improvement on the previous generation in terms of drive and handling. It manages well around corners with manageable body roll and good weight distribution that makes it fairly well balanced and planted. Feedback through the wheel is annoyingly vague however which can make for some hairy moments when cornering at speed. The four-wheel drive versions are markedly better than two-wheel drive alternatives.Feel The new Compass is geared more towards road driving than ever before but it’s still jittery on the road and a little uncomfortable. The four-wheel drive models are capable off-road but more suited to it.Space It’s a well sized crossover that provides plenty of room for five passengers with adequate head and legroom throughout. There are lots of storage options inside as well as a decent size boot at 458-litres with the seats up and 1,269-litres with them down. Unfortunately it’s no better than its competitors.Equipment Like most American models in the UK, the Compass is comprehensively decked out with alloy wheels, cruise control and air conditioning on all versions. Higher up the range and hill start assist, heated leather seats and climate control are also thrown in.Price The Compass is competitively priced and value for money is its unique selling point as far as we’re concerned. Prices kick off at less than £17,000 and work their way to a range-high of a little over £23,000.Quality The new Compass features a redesigned interior and cabin which means a raft of new, higher-quality materials and surfaces as well as chrome detailing throughout. Unfortunately it still falls short of the standards of some of its interior. It does have a well laid out, sensible cabin though with clearly defined controls and displays.Safety In terms of safety equipment, technology and features, the Compass is well kitted out. There are multistage front airbags in addition to curtain airbags, ABS and electronic roll mitigation (ERM) system that keeps the car grounded under harsh steering.Pros The Compass is competitively priced and all models are well kitted out in terms of infotainment, audio and driver systems, as well as safety technology.Cons The interior is shabby and cheap when compared to some rivals and ride and handling isn’t great. It will also be more expensive to run than more environmentally-conscious alternatives.Alternatives Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga
