2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2024 Jeep Compass: Which Affordable SUV Is Superior?
Affordable doesn’t always mean better, but if you need a new SUV and you don’t have a ton of funds to invest, then the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Jeep Compass are both excellent choices. Of course, you can only buy one, so you obviously want the compact SUV that is superior. So which one is the best? The decision may be tougher than you think.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek specs
| 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | |
| Price | $24,995 – $31,995 |
| Engine Types/Sizes: | 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder, 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder |
| Horsepower + Torque | 152 hp/145 lb-ft (2.0-liter); 182 hp/178 lb-ft |
| Transmission + Drivetrain | Continuously variable-speed automatic + all-wheel drive |
| Acceleration + Top Speed | 0 to 60 mph in 9.9 seconds (Edmunds) + 160 mph |
| Fuel Efficiency | 27 mpg city, 34 mpg hwy |
| Cargo Capacity | 19.9 to 20.0 cu. ft. |
| Safety | Not rated by NHTSA or IIHS |
Breaking down the 2024 Jeep Compass
| 2024 Jeep Compass | |
| Price | $28,400 to $39,515 |
| Horsepower + Torque | 200 hp/221 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission + Drivetrain | Eight-speed automatic + four-wheel drive |
| Acceleration + Top Speed | 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds (Edmunds) + 160 mph |
| Fuel Efficiency | 24 mpg city, 32 mpg hwy, 27 mpg combined |
| Cargo Capacity | 27.2 cu.-ft. |
| Safety Rating | Not yet rated by NHTSA or IIHS |
2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2024 Jeep Compass: Driving and performance
The 2024 Jeep Compass offers a more powerful engine. The horsepower and torque far outweigh what the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek brings to the table, even with the extra engine choices.
Neither really delivers a stellar driving experience, however. Edmunds blasted the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek for its slow speed, but did admit it was a tolerable daily driver.
Edmunds went on to state that the 2024 Jeep Compass is more suitable for going off-road than anything else. It doesn’t handle curves very well, so it may not be ideal for anyone who lives in the mountains.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2024 Jeep Compass: Interior and tech
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers a wide range of tech. EyeSight Driver Assistance Technology includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, evasive-steering assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive headlights. A rear-vision camera comes standard, but features like blind-spot detection/rear cross-traffic alert are only available on higher trims.
Subaru offers a few more tech features, such as front-row USB Type-A ports, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen. There are other features, but they are reserved for higher trim levels.
Jeep really outdoes Subaru when it comes to extra features, however, because it has features such as a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet in the instrument panel, auxiliary 12-volt rear power outlet, blind-spot and cross-path detection, drowsy driver detection, a rear back-up camera, and trailer sway damping which is standard.
Other standard features on the Jeep Compass are a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, front-row USB Type A and C ports, second-row USB Type-A ports, and Android Auto.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2024 Jeep Compass: Trim levels and features
There are five trim levels on the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. These are the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness.
The Sport, Limited, and Wilderness offer the more powerful 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine, a retractable and removable cargo-area cover, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats.
Interestingly enough, the Limited has some features that aren’t even available on the Wilderness. These include a power driver’s seat, and leather-trimmed upholstery with orange contrast stitching.
The Jeep Compass has eight trim levels, which are the Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Red Edition, and High Altitude. Leatherette seats are reserved for the Latitude Lux, along with heated front seats.
Other features you can get on higher trims include the ParkSense® Front and Rear Park-Assist System, 360 Surround View Camera System, and a heated steering wheel.
Which affordable SUV is the right fit for you?
Off-roaders will probably enjoy either vehicle, but if this is going to be a daily driver, then the Subaru Crosstrek is the obvious choice. It’s also much cheaper than the Compass.
The 2024 Jeep Compass has its own benefits, however, such as better features, superior cargo space, and a more powerful engine.
Regardless, at that price point, both are great SUVs. If you aren’t sure which is right for you, perhaps schedule a test drive, and see how each feels on the road.
