The 2021 Jeep Compass is offered in Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited trims. All trims are powered by the same 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-feet of torque. The engine features stop-start technology to increase fuel efficiency, and Jeep claims the Compass can deliver up to 31 mpg on the highway. Customers have a choice of a 6-speed automatic transmission, paired with FWD, or a 9-speed automatic transmission with AWD. Front-wheel drive is standard except on the Trailhawk, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. In 4x4 configuration, the new Compass benefits from two advanced systems -- Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. The former provides full-time 4x4 capability, while the latter offers a 20:1 crawl ratio. Both systems include Selec-Terrain, which provides several modes for driving, including Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud.
Styling for the 2021 Compass is quite distinctive with the 7-slot grille and a resemblance to the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee siblings. It rides on a fully independent suspension with a front and rear strut system that features advanced damping. Electric power steering offers precise control behind the wheel at low and high speeds. Rigidity and weight are both optimized thanks to a structure comprised of 65-percent high-strength steel. Anti-lock brakes, stability control and seven airbags are all standard.
The Sport trim features a Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker audio system, 3.5-inch driver information display and dual-zone temperature control.
A step up to the Latitude trim adds premium cloth and vinyl seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote keyless entry, fog lamps and larger 17-inch wheels.
The Limited trim is loaded with features including heated leather front seats, heated steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors, 8-way power driver seat, 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect 4 infotainment system, automatic dual-zone climate control and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels.
The highly capable Trailhawk model features are highly focused on off-road performance with all-wheel drive. Standard features include premium cloth and leather-trimmed seats, gloss black painted roof, black hood decal, red tow hooks, underbody skid plate protection, an off-road focused suspension along with increased ride height. Other available features on the Trailhawk include a Selec-Terrain System which adds a rock driving mode, in addition to hill-descent control and the ability to fjord up to 19 inches of water.
Available safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic detection. Other significant options include a sunroof, power liftgate, navigation, Xenon headlights, and a premium Alpine audio system.
Distinctive Styling
Versatile Layout For People And Gear
Maneuverability
Off-road Capability
Fuel-efficient
Competitive Pricing
For 2021, the Jeep Compass carries over into the new year with minimal changes. The new 80th Anniversary Edition based on the Latitude trim features unique wheels, leather seats, power driver's seat, remote start, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, special badging, piano black and gunmetal interior accents, and an oak medallion key fob. The Limited and Trailhawk trims both add standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The previous manual transmission option is no longer available.
The Jeep Compass is one of the most affordable off-road capable utility vehicles on the market. With distinctive styling reminiscent of the upscale Cherokee, the design stands out in a crowded segment. Ease of parking and maneuverability remain strengths for the model and it is also fuel-efficient at an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway. When properly equipped, the Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds. The off-road prowess is rooted in Jeep's legacy of go-anywhere, do-anything capability, particularly in the Trailhawk variant. This legacy Jeep has built for itself is key for drawing shoppers' attention when looking at competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru's Crosstrek.
