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2019 Jeep Compass driving through sand

The Jeep Compass Is The Worst Jeep You Need To Avoid

Don’t let the low price of the Jeep Compass tempt you. The Jeep Compass is the worst Jeep model. You will do better with the Jeep Renegade. Heck, even the Jeep Gladiator, is a better choice. Check out why the Jeep Compass is last on the list.  The Jeep Compass Is The Worst Jeep  The …

Don’t let the low price of the Jeep Compass tempt you. The Jeep Compass is the worst Jeep model. You will do better with the Jeep Renegade. Heck, even the Jeep Gladiator, is a better choice. Check out why the Jeep Compass is last on the list. 

The Jeep Compass Is The Worst Jeep 

The Jeep Compass was supposed to be discontinued in 2015 to make way for the new Jeep Renegade. However, Jeep decided to keep it to offer more diverse compact SUVs. 

2019 Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass | Jeep

However, the new look of the Jeep Cherokee was widely disliked for its narrow headlights and forward-pointing grille. 

So, then Jeep took the better looking headlights from the Jeep Compass and stuck them on the Cherokee. Now it’s difficult even to tell these models apart. So much for diversity, right? 

The Jeep Compass also shares a platform with the Jeep Renegade but lacks the off-roading power that the Renegade has. 

You can get started in the Jeep Compass for around $22k, which is about the same starting price as the Jeep Renegade.

It also gets up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg in the highway, which is pretty much the same fuel efficiency of the Jeep Renegade. 

However, unlike the Renegade, the Compass scored an incredibly low-reliability rating from J.D. Power. It only has an 11% and 3 out of 5 stars for reliability. 

It’s also ranked dead last in the list of best Compact SUV, but the Jeep Renegade sits higher up in fourth place. 

Jeep Compass Performance 

The Jeep Compass has one engine option. It sports a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Also, the Compass can only tow up to 1,000 lb. So it isn’t the best option for towing items to your campsite. 

2019 Jeep Compass Limited
2019 Jeep Compass Limited | Jeep

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk, which is the second-highest trim option, can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. That’s a bit slow and boring for a Jeep. 

If you want to go off-roading, be sure to pay more for the Trailhawk trim, as it’s the only trail rated edition.

Otherwise, spring a little more for four-wheel drive on other trim options for the ability to handle snow and slippery conditions on the pavement.

However, it only has a strut suspension in the front and rear. The Renegade has a multi-link suspension in the back, giving it a more capable and smoother ride. 

Jeep Compass Features

When it comes to technology, once again, the Jeep compass falls behind. It can connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it can’t connect to Alexis or your smartwatch like other Jeep models can. 

But the Jeep Compass is pretty safe. It has a steel body to protect you during collisions or rolls. It also has electronic stability control and active traction control. 

A Jeep Compass is displayed during the Vienna Autoshow, as part of Vienna Holiday Fair
The Jeep Compass | Manfred Schmid/Getty Images

While the Jeep Compass may not be a top safety pick like the Renegade, it still has active braking to prevent collisions and lane departure assistance. 

Overall the Jeep Compass seems to be built with leftover parts from other Jeeps. We feel like Fiat had extra pieces and just threw together a cheap option. 

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However, for the same price, you can go off in the Jeep Renegade, which is safer, smarter, and remarkably better for off-roading.