Jeep Compass 2019 Range Review
We take a closer look at the 2019 Jeep Compass rangeOff-road icon Jeep is a brand that has a reputation for building hardcore 4x4s. But in more recent times, the American brand has spread its wings, to supply 'softer' vehicles more suited to the tastes and wants of modern SUV consumers. In the sweet spot in terms of the Australian SUV marketplace is Jeep's compact to midsizer, the Compass. Once sporting weird Harold styling and forgettable interior design and build quality, the Jeep Compass was reinvented in its latest generation to hit the road as a mini-Grand Cherokee. It's still struggling to get recognition from Australian consumers, but with a four-model line-up, there's a variant that suits most buyers.
Why do a range review?
With over 50 manufacturers all producing multiple models, consumers are spoiled for choice! But choosing one that suits you best can be tricky – and sometimes confusing.
Once you’ve narrowed down which car is right for you, then you need to decide on which model variant best meets your lifestyle needs and budget.
Our range reviews break-down the commonalities between variants and the all-important differences that can see an entry-level and top-spec model divided by tens of thousands of dollars.
You also benefit from the collective experience of the carsales team on these reviews as we take a group approach to pulling them apart -- so you don’t have to.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep brand is all about the 4x4 and SUV – it has five of them, with a dual-cab Jeep Gladiator ute arriving soon to boost the brood. The brand is synonymous with capable, rugged off-road adventure, while a solid cohort of loyal lifestylers give the Jeep a fashionable edge too.
The 2019 Jeep Compass is Jeep’s small(ish) SUV that slots in between the Renegade and larger Cherokee.
The 2019 Jeep Compass range is offered in four trim levels, with two engines and three transmissions resulting in a six-strong model line-up priced from $28,850-44,750 (plus on road costs). In ascending order, the line-up comprises the Jeep Compass Sport, Longitude, Limited and trail-rated Trailhawk.
Under the bonnet
The entry-level front-wheel-drive Jeep Compass Sport and Longitude are powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 129kW and 229Nm. The Sport is matched to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the Longitude is an auto-only proposition.
The manual transmission returns a combined fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km and the auto 7.9L/100km.
Break into the four-wheel-drive Jeep Compass Limited and Trailhawk to take advantage of Jeep’s off-road heritage.
The Limited is the only model to offer both the above-mentioned petrol as well as a 2.0-litre 125kW and 350Nm turbo-diesel. At this level you switch to a nine-speed automatic transmission that consumes 9.7L/100km in its petrol guise, 5.7L/100km for the diesel.
The trail-rated Trailhawk comes as a diesel only. We will confess now, it’s this torquey turbo-diesel engine that we prefer.
What they have in common – entry-level gear
As well as engine and driveline choices, it is equipment and interior finishes that differentiates the pack.
For your entry-level investment ($28,850-30,750), the Jeep Compass Sport gives you air-conditioning, second-row air vents, power windows, headlight levelling, tilt and reach adjust steering column, heated power adjust side mirrors.
A reversing camera with dynamic gridlines and cruise control is standard across the Jeep Compass range.
A 5.0-inch touchscreen with digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control is standard. USB and two 12-volt outlets are common to all Compass vehicles.
Cloth trim manual adjust seats are an entry-level symbol, while the leather wrap steering wheel lifts the interior aesthetic.
Five-star ANCAP safety ratings and seven airbags are common to all Jeep Compass vehicles, but safety and driver assist technologies vary. The Sport misses out on much of the kit. You can, however, option the Safety & Convenience Group ($995) to add lane departure warning, advanced brake assist and full speed autonomous emergency braking, but that’s about it.
Stepping up to the Compass Longitude
The Jeep Compass Longitude’s interior tells a very similar story to the entry-level Sport – nicely executed and with a tad more equipment. It’s priced from $33,750.
In addition to the features found in the Sport, the Longitude gains rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, electric folding side mirrors and lumbar support. Fog-lights and cornering headlights, roof rails, tinted glass, ambient interior lighting and a forward folding front passenger seat with under cushion storage, are also points of difference.
Where tech is concerned, it’s worth noting that neither of the Sport or Longitude get satellite navigation or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
Interestingly, the step up to the Longitude means you have the ability to option the Radio Package ($2150) that introduces the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple Carplay/Android Auto as well as dual-zone climate control – all of which are standard on the Jeep Compass Limited and Trailhawk.
Doing this will still see your Longitude over $5000 cheaper than the next in line, the Compass Limited.
More equipment plus 4x4 credentials – the Jeep Compass Limited
If you’re after four-wheel-drive freedom, it’s going to be the 4x4 Limited or trail-rated Trailhawk that you need. But get your pencil set for a Tetris type exercise in determining what you do or don’t get and what you can or cannot option on Jeep’s more rugged Compass duo.
The only Compass to offer petrol or diesel, the $41,250-43,750 Jeep Compass Limited arguably has a broader appeal than the Sport or Longitude. It also adds Jeep’s Active Drive 4x4 system with terrain selection and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
It’s in the Limited that you graduate to electric adjust heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, push-button start and front and rear parking sensors, as well as park assist.
The Limited also gets the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with the functionality you’ll want (Apple Carplay/Android Auto) and a 7.0-inch colour instrumentation cluster, too. With 18-inch alloy wheels, the Limited looks the part, but don’t forgot the cost of replacing those larger tyres.
There’s no denying the Compass Limited looks and feels a cut above, giving it an obvious edge over the Sport and Longitude. You’ll also be able to confidently stray from the tarmac with its 4x4 driveline.
Top billing – the Compass Trailhawk
First, don’t assume that the most expensive trail-rated Jeep Compass Trailhawk delivers the most extensive kit as standard. Grab that pencil again.
The $44,750 Compass Trailhawk leads the charge with its more sophisticated 4x4 system adding Low and Rock mode to its credentials. It has a raised ride height, off-road suspension, three tow hooks, under-body skidplates and a full size spare. However, it reverts to 17-inch alloys, cloth/leather combination seats and has fit-for-purpose rubber floor mats front and rear (that are child-proof, too).
What will you have to pay extra for? Keyless entry and a push-button starter, those full leather heated electric adjust seats with lumbar and memory, nine-speaker sound and a subwoofer.
It’s a shame that in choosing the advanced off-roader, you do so at the expense of everyday creature comforts.
The good-looking panoramic sunroof (an option on Limited and Trailhawk only) will set you back $1950.
Is the Jeep Compass fit for purpose?
The Jeep Compass sits in the small SUV segment along with a broad set of would-be (yet unlikely) competitors. Such is this segment that it includes a wide spread of vehicles; from the likes of the popular Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi ASX through to larger vehicles such as the Suzuki Vitara and even the Volvo XC40.
In Sport and Longitude guise this cross-shop with many of this segment is a stretch. And few, if any, can lay claim to the Jeep’s off-road prowess found in the Limited and Trailhawk. The Jeep Compass feels like a bit of a specialist in this segment, to be honest and it handles the dual role well.
Comfortable, spacious and well equipped, the Jeep Compass does a convincing job of straddling the line between weekend adventurer and family-friendly wagon in one offering. Whether you simply identify with the Jeep brand or you’re actually looking to head off-road will determine which Jeep you choose.
Second-row space and amenity is commendable, as is the Jeep’s boot space. The Jeep Compass is fit to tow up to 1000kg braked in the petrol-powered Limited or 1500kg braked with the diesel unit under the bonnet of the Limited or Trailhawk.
The Jeep Compass ticks a lot of boxes where family-friendly functionality are concerned – more so in the 4x4 examples.
What’s the value for money of the Jeep Compass like?
With four grades and six models to choose from, it seems there’s a Jeep Compass for everyone priced from $28,850 and topping out at $44,750 – before options. The great divide is whether you want petrol or diesel, front-wheel-drive as seen in the Sport and Longitude or 4x4 action found in the Limited and Trailhawk.
It’s the options that create a conundrum. You should absolutely be ticking the box for safety options to get Jeep’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB, which the company calls Full-speed Forward Collision Warning Plus.
In the Sport and Longitude, AEB's in the Safety & Convenience Group ($995) and for the Limited and Trailhawk, it’s part of the Advanced Technology Group ($2450) – so be sure to factor that cost in at a minimum.
Other options, Radio Package ($2150), glass sunroof ($1950) and Comfort & Convenience ($2850) are more debatable additions.
Jeep’s warranty stretches to five years/100,000km (whichever comes first) and the brand offers five years capped-price servicing. There’s also a lifetime roadside assistance when you service through Jeep.
The verdict
The 2.4-litre petrol in the Jeep Compass is a good thing, but it’s the gutsy torque of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that we favour. This narrows the field of recommended models to the 4x4 diesel-powered Limited and Trailhawk mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission as far as we’re concerned.
If it were our money, we’d buy the Jeep Compass Limited with optioned Advanced Technology Group. A punchy yet frugal diesel with good 4x4 credentials combines with the best equipment list as standard.
We think it will satisfy most buyers on or off the beaten track.
How much does the 2019 Jeep Compass Sport cost?
Price: $28,850/$30,750 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 129kW/229Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual/ automatic
Fuel: 8.6L/100km; 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 205g/km; 190g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
How much does the 2019 Jeep Compass Longitude cost?
Price: $33,750 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 129kW/229Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 190g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
How much does the 2019 Jeep Compass Limited cost?
Price: $41,250/$43,750 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol; 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 129kW/229Nm; 125kW/350Nm
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.7L/100km; 5.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 230g/km; 150g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
How much does the 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk cost?
Price: $44,750 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 125kW/350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 150g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
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