For fans of compact SUVs, the 2021 Jeep Compass stands out as a great choice. Its easy-to-use infotainment system, spacious seating for passengers, and off-roading abilities are just some of the strengths of this versatile vehicle. Learn more about the best features of one of Jeep’s top SUVs.
Adult-Friendly Seating in Both Rows
The Compass seats five passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the back and up front to allow adults to sit wherever they like. Cloth upholstery comes as standard, and the seats are firm and supportive. If you need to install seating for the kids, there are two sets of LATCH connectors in the rear row.
Outstanding Off-Roading Capabilities
The 2021 Compass excels with its strong off-roading abilities, which are unusual for a vehicle in the compact SUV class. Its 2.4-liter engine, capable of putting out 180 horsepower, is designed for strong off-roading performance thanks to improved air filtration. You’ll also benefit from Jeep’s range of driving settings, including snow, mud, and sand. These settings improve traction and handling on rough ground. In case you’re driving during bad weather, the heated exterior mirrors and available de-icing feature on your windshield will help ensure your visibility remains good.
The compass’ off-roading ability is also bolstered by its four-wheel-drive system, which allows it to cope better over uneven terrain than many of its all-wheel-drive rivals. For the best performance, try upgrading to the range-topping Trailhawk trim, which comes equipped with a tuned-up four-wheel drive designed specifically for off-roading.
Strong Fuel Economy
Considering the Compass’ excellent off-roading chops, you may be surprised to learn that it also manages to return quite strong gas mileage numbers. In front-wheel drive, the Compass makes 31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. If you opt for four-wheel drive, the figures remain virtually unchanged, with 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg on city roads. The Compass’ front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a six-speed automatic transmission, while four-wheel-drive models get a nine-speed automatic.
Plenty of Cargo Storage
With over 27 cubic feet of cargo storage behind the rear row of seats, this SUV has lots of space for you to transport your weekly groceries or the family’s vacation luggage. Various small compartments throughout the cabin offer handy places to keep small items, such as phones and cameras.
If you find yourself needing more space for bulky items, you can fold the second row flat to access more than 59 cubic feet of cargo storage behind the front row. In addition, the available power tailgate and proximity keyless entry make loading up your Jeep a much easier task.
User-Friendly Infotainment and Technology
Jeep‘s Uconnect infotainment system is easy to use and has various helpful features. The standard setup includes a seven-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, allowing you to link your phone to your entertainment system with ease. The physical controls on the infotainment system make it easy for drivers and passengers alike to operate it, and the voice command feature allows you to operate your infotainment system without taking your eyes off the road ahead.
If you choose to upgrade your infotainment system, higher Compass trims come equipped with an 8.4-inch screen, a nine-speaker audio system, and HD radio. A navigation system is also available.
Another optional tech add-on is SiriusXM Guardian. This offers you another way to link your phone to your vehicle in order to unlock a wide range of helpful features. For example, you can use the Uconnect app through SiriusXM Guardian to activate the horn on your Compass if you can’t find where you parked it. You can also remotely lock and unlock the doors, and remotely start your SUV. The vehicle finder feature can give you a GPS reading of where it’s located. Finally, you can connect with an operator to get roadside assistance or report an accident.
Versatile Trims to Meet Everyone’s Needs
The Compass comes in four trims: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk — with each catering to distinct customer needs. With a starting retail price of just over $23,000, the Sport is a great choice for anyone with a modest budget looking for a comfortable SUV with plenty of infotainment tech. The base trim features cloth upholstery and the base infotainment system. If you want four-wheel drive, you can add it for an additional $1,500.
The Latitude trim is perfect for drivers looking for additional safety features. For just an extra $1,395, you can get the Driver Assistance Group package, which includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. This package also adds useful features for highway driving, such as lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Buyers who like some interior luxury will be well-served by the Limited trim. It features a heated leather steering wheel, leather upholstery, and an 8.4-inch-infotainment screen. Additionally, you get all the safety features in the Driver Assistance Group package as standard.
Serious off-roaders will be attracted to the Trailhawk trim, the only one in the lineup with standard four-wheel drive. Other helpful features include skid plates, low-range gears, hill descent control, and tow hooks.
Unique Appearance Packages
If you want your Compass to stand out with a unique design twist, why not opt for the Altitude package? This sub-trim, which is available as part of the Latitude trim, adds a black interior and black exterior accents to your SUV. Another option is the Jeep 80th Anniversary Edition sub-trim, which adds leather-trimmed special edition upholstery and light stitching to create a nice color contrast.
We hope our rundown of the 2021 Jeep Compass’ best features has convinced you that this is the compact SUV for you. If you have questions about any of the Compass’ features, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. Here at Huffines CJDR Plano, we can’t wait to line up your next auto purchase, so you can drive away with a brand-new Jeep without any hassle.
Image via Flickr by GPS 56