If, in 1933, Vasco Santana stated “Chapéus for many” in the film “A Canção de Lisboa”, today when we look at the car park, the first thing that comes to mind is to update the phrase and say “SUV's for many”, being a of them precisely the Jeep Compass.
Developed on the same Renegade basis, the Compass presents itself as Jeep's compact SUV, trying to capitalize on the weight that the American brand has in the off-road world to win customers and gain market share in a segment dominated by the “eternal ” Qashqai.
But is the famous grid with seven vertical bars and the adventurous DNA inherited from the iconic Wrangler enough to make Compass a valid alternative? To find out, we tested the Night Eagle version equipped with the 1.6 Multijet engine.
Aesthetically, the Compass abandons the “bourgeois” and urban look that many SUVs assume, instead opting for a robust look that encourages adventure and which, in my opinion, only lacks a less pronounced front bumper (and consequently a better angle of attack) to stand out as a great alternative to the off-road for those who don't appreciate Dacia Duster.
Inside the Jeep Compass
Maybe you don't remember anymore, but some time ago there was an ad for a TV channel that used the phrase “There is big and American style”. Once inside Compass, this phrase comes to mind, with the controls taking on a larger dimension than usual and featuring (almost all) a caption about their function.
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As for quality, the materials alternate between harder (and robust) and soft, and the assembly is even in a good plan (although a Skoda Karoq is better). Positive note for ergonomics, with all the commands appearing, as they say in the slang “by the hand of sowing”.
There are plenty of storage spaces on the Compass…
Another of the things inside the Compass that reminds us that this is an American model is the plethora of storage spaces and… cup holders, of course! The infotainment system, on the other hand, contains an excess of information and menus (just to connect the cell phone we have to open several sub-menus).
The infotainment system has too many menus making it somewhat confusing. As you can see, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With regard to space, the Compass is capable of perfectly fulfilling family obligations, with room rates that allow it to transport five adults (four of them quite comfortably) and offering a luggage compartment that, with a capacity of 438 l, it may not be a reference but it already allows you to take a lot.
The space in the back is more than enough for two adults and the passenger seat can be turned into a… table.
At the wheel of the Jeep Compass
Remember I told you about Jeep DNA at the beginning? Well, this is notorious from the moment we get behind the wheel of the Compass. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position, but we always go quite high (even more so than in other SUVs), and the only thing to regret is the excessive dimensions of the gearbox knob.
As for the Compass's dynamic capabilities, let me tell you this: if you're looking for an SUV focused on dynamics, maybe you'd better read the test we did on Tucson before, because the Compass, despite being always safe and predictable, carries if like a… jeep, always adorning a little curve and presenting an uncommunicative direction.
What the Compass “loses” in curves, it gains on dirt roads (where this one is fun and proves that it's a… Jeep) and on degraded floors, where the suspension tare more focused on comfort turns out to be a great ally and it spares the occupants from more violent bumps, giving us a good level of comfort.
As for the engine, the truth is that it proves to be a great ally of the Compass, being helpful from the lowest revs and able to move the Jeep SUV very quickly, being aided by a gearbox with a good tactfully, well scaled and that only reveals something imprecise when requested in a more hurried way.
Despite the robust appearance, the Compass would gain a lot if it had a less pronounced front bumper (the entry angle was grateful).
Finally, don't think that the speed with which the 120 hp of the 1.6 Multijet drives the Compass ends up being reflected in consumption. With a calm driving and on the road it is possible to make an average of 5 l/100 km, whereas in cities consumption is around 7.7 l/100 km, and in mixed use it is difficult to exceed 6.6 l/100 km of average.
Is the car right for me?
First of all, I must admit that I like the Jeep Compass. No, it's not the best in the segment, nor the most homogeneous, but the truth is that it manages to bring to a smaller scale part of the adventurous spirit and strength that we normally associate with models of the North American brand.
So if you're looking for an SUV unlike most, which looks as good as dust in the middle of the countryside as it does on any city street and is comfortable, robust, spacious and economical, then the Compass is the right car for you.
If you're looking for an SUV more focused on dynamic behavior, with a more urban and sophisticated look or a model full of equipment and technology, my advice is to take a look at models like the Peugeot 3008, the Honda CR-V ( a technological compendium) or the Kia Sportage.