Vehicles have become more reliable and offer better safety and more features. That means buying a newer used car makes more sense than ever. With a pre-owned vehicle, you get many of the same features and benefits at a lower price. Still, not all used cars are a good deal. Some are unreliable or have poor safety ratings. Others aren’t necessarily bad but lack standard features or are boring or unpleasant to drive. For those reasons, avoid specific pre-owned models, including two used Jeep SUVs: the 2016 Jeep Compass and the 2016 Jeep Patriot.

Beware of the 2016 Jeep Compass

The 2016 Jeep Compass sits near the bottom of the small SUV class in U.S. News’ rankings. It’s not that it’s necessarily unreliable. However, it’s underpowered, unrefined, and lacking many features that buyers want in this category. 

The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 158 hp. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is the only optional upgrade, but it’s hardly worth getting because it produces only 14 more horsepower for 172 hp. The interior looks and feels cheap and drab. U.S. News found the Compass competent but dull to drive, lacking an engaging driving experience.  

Avoid the 2016 Jeep Patriot 

Featuring a grille like the Wrangler and boxy styling, the 2016 Jeep Patriot looks more rugged than the Compass. However, it shares a platform with its crossover sibling, meaning the same lackluster engines, dreary cabin, and shortage of features. 

The 2016 Patriot seats five somewhat uncomfortably. Its seats lack support, and the back row is tight on legroom. As for the infotainment system, the head unit provides Bluetooth and SiriusXM Satellite Radio but has only four speakers. The base radio display looks like a microwave oven readout, thanks to the green digital numbers. And the optional stereo system isn’t much better. Although it has a touchscreen, it’s small, hard to read, and slow to operate. 

What used Jeep SUV should you buy instead?

It’s not that the 2016 Jeep Compass and 2016 Jeep Patriot are bad. Both small crossover SUVs offer Jeep’s rugged looks and can handle light off-roading. They have average J.D. Power reliability scores but lack refinement and a rewarding drive.  

If the Jeep brand is important to you, or if you want a rugged-looking vehicle ready to tackle off-roading, the Cherokee might be better than the Compass or Patriot. It ranks slightly higher on U.S. News’ list, rides on a newer platform, and provides more features. 

If any small domestic SUV will do, you’re much better off with a Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, or GMC Terrain. All three rank near the top of the U.S. News list of good used SUVs and offer more features, better performance, and a more engaging drive.