Used 2014 Jeep Compass SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

When the 2014 Jeep Compass SUV says it is designed to take you farther, this is no exaggeration. For a roomy crossover, you enjoy surprisingly good gas mileage. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is good for 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. As a front-wheel drive with a manual transmission, you can enjoy as much as 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The larger engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that increases performance ever so slightly to 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Although it can tow 2,000 pounds, when properly equipped, it is also one of the slowest compact crossovers, taking 10.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. Fuel economy is still decent as front-wheel drive, at 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, but as a four-wheel drive, these numbers drop significantly to 21 mpg combined. Compass does adapt well to changing weather and road conditions with either of the all-wheel drive systems, but it certainly does not provide the smoothest ride, and it feels overburdened by its weight. On the positive side, the turning circle is only 35.6 feet, so despite the fact that steering often feels unresponsive, the vehicle won’t be all that hard to park.

Technology

• Navigation - The advanced Uconnect® 430N System with Navigation by Garmin® will get you where you need to go with maps, turn-by-turn directions and lane guidance. The interface is quite intuitive.
• Audio - An optional Boston Acoustics audio system is available that features seven regular speakers and two that flip-down from the tailgate, as well as an in-dash CD player and USB audio jack. Digital music storage and a touchscreen interface can be added.
• ParkView® - When you have ParkView® Back Up Camera, you are granted a view of the space behind you when in reverse.

Safety

Crash test results are not available for the 2014 Compass, nor are braking results. However, the 2013 Compass scores incredibly well when braking is concerned taking only 120 feet to stop from 60 mph. Like its Patriot relative, Compass tends to score well in front and roof-strength protection, but only does well in side-impact when the optional side airbags are added. Safety features worth mentioning include:
• Child seat anchors
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Engine immobilizer
• Emergency braking assist
• Rear door safety locks
• Traction control
• Fog lights
• Rear back up camera
• Hill start assist

Appearance

With its bold new exterior, Jeep Compass looks sharp from each and every angle. It is modern with a nicely chiseled body and it boasts plenty of elegant details that add focal points. New bi-halogen projection headlamps are significantly brighter than last year’s model and the chrome bezel around the fog lamps are a nice touch. For 2014, body-colored mirrors come into the picture, and with the different wheel choices in three sizes, there is something for everyone.

Comfort

Compass gets a significantly more upscale cabin for 2014. There are plenty of soft touch features with quality materials, stylish accent stitching and chrome accents. It also gets a new cluster design and overlay; everything is modern yet straight forward. If you have been in a 2013 model, then you will appreciate this layout, as the controls were very cluttered last year. The seats in the front are comfortable, and there is plenty of legroom. Adults can fit in the back, but taller folks will struggle to find comfort. There is more room than Patriot, but not as much as Grand Cherokee.

Cargo

Most will find Compass to have more than enough cargo room. Behind the rear seats there are 22.7 cubic feet and overall you enjoy 62.7 cubes.