Introduction to the 2021 Jeep Compass
The 2021 Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that combines the rugged capabilities Jeep is known for with the comfort and technology today’s drivers demand. Positioned between the Jeep Renegade and Cherokee, the Compass is designed for versatility, offering a blend of urban convenience, family-friendly features, and off-road adventure potential. Its affordability, robust feature set, and distinctive Jeep styling make it a compelling option in the competitive compact SUV market. With five trims—Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, and Trailhawk—the Compass provides choices tailored to a wide range of lifestyles and driving needs.
Exterior Design: Rugged Meets Refined
The exterior of the 2021 Jeep Compass embodies the brand's rugged ethos while incorporating sleek, modern design elements. Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille takes center stage, flanked by slim, angular headlights that give the Compass a confident and bold appearance. Sculpted wheel arches emphasize its athletic stance, while options like two-tone paint schemes and black-painted roofs add a stylish touch.
For those opting for the Trailhawk trim, the Compass gains additional off-road-oriented design features. These include skid plates, higher ground clearance, and red tow hooks, which not only enhance its capability but also distinguish it visually. Compact dimensions—173 inches in length and 73.8 inches in width—make it ideal for navigating tight urban spaces while retaining the presence of a robust SUV.
Interior Comfort and Versatility
Inside, the 2021 Compass offers a thoughtfully designed cabin that balances comfort, practicality, and style. The Compass seats up to five passengers, with supportive front seats and plenty of legroom in the rear. Cloth upholstery comes standard, but higher trims offer premium leather options for a more luxurious feel. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control are available, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.
Storage options are equally impressive, with 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats expands this to 59.8 cubic feet, accommodating everything from groceries to outdoor gear. Additional interior accessories like all-weather floor mats and cargo management systems are available for enhanced practicality.
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
The 2021 Compass is equipped with a suite of advanced technology to keep drivers and passengers connected and entertained. The Uconnect® infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface, is standard across all trims. Entry-level models feature a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offer an 8.4-inch screen with built-in navigation. Both systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, allowing seamless smartphone integration for navigation, messaging, and music.
An available Wi-Fi hotspot ensures connectivity on the go, while multiple USB ports provide convenient charging options for passengers. For audiophiles, the optional Alpine® Premium Audio System delivers exceptional sound quality, making long drives more enjoyable.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The 2021 Jeep Compass is powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark® MultiAir® inline-4 engine, producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the engine delivers sufficient performance for daily commuting and light off-road adventures. Front-wheel drive (FWD) models feature a 6-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive (AWD) models are paired with a 9-speed automatic for smoother shifts and enhanced traction.
The Compass provides a balanced ride, with a suspension system tuned for comfort on paved roads and capability on uneven surfaces. Its compact size and precise steering make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, whether you're navigating city streets or rocky trails.
Off-Road Capability: True Jeep DNA
Staying true to its Jeep heritage, the Compass shines off-road, particularly in the Trailhawk trim. Trailhawk models come equipped with Jeep’s Trail Rated® badge, a testament to their off-road prowess. Features like the Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 system and a 20:1 crawl ratio allow the Compass to tackle challenging terrain with ease.
The Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System adapts the vehicle's performance to different conditions, offering modes for Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock. Additional off-road features include skid plates, higher ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. These capabilities make the Compass one of the most off-road-ready vehicles in the compact SUV segment.
Towing and Hauling Capability
The 2021 Jeep Compass is capable of light towing tasks, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it suitable for hauling small trailers, boats, or camping gear. Features like Trailer Sway Control and a rear backup camera with trailer view enhance safety and ease when towing. While it may not match the towing capacity of larger SUVs, the Compass offers enough capability for weekend adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Compass prioritizes safety with a range of standard and available features designed to protect passengers and enhance driver confidence. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, electronic stability control, and advanced multistage airbags. For those seeking additional peace of mind, Jeep offers a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including:
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
- LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
These features help the Compass achieve a 4-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), making it a solid choice for families.
Trim Levels and Features
The 2021 Jeep Compass is available in five trims, each offering a distinct combination of features:
- Sport: The base trim, featuring cloth upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen, and 16-inch wheels.
- Latitude: Adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, and an upgraded interior with premium touches.
- Latitude Lux: Introduced in 2021, this trim includes leather-trimmed seats, a power driver’s seat, and AWD as standard.
- Limited: Focused on luxury, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and chrome exterior accents.
- Trailhawk: Designed for off-road enthusiasts, with unique bumpers, skid plates, tow hooks, and off-road-specific performance features.
With prices ranging from $24,495 to $31,395, there’s a Compass trim for every budget and lifestyle.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
The Compass offers respectable fuel efficiency for its class, with EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for FWD models. AWD models are slightly less efficient, achieving 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Jeep’s Eco Mode optimizes throttle response and transmission settings to improve fuel economy during highway driving. While not a hybrid, the Compass strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency.
Competitors and Market Position
The 2021 Jeep Compass competes in the crowded compact SUV segment, facing rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Crosstrek. While these competitors may offer better fuel efficiency or interior space, the Compass distinguishes itself with superior off-road capability and iconic Jeep styling. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, sets it apart as one of the few compact SUVs truly built for adventure.
Who Should Buy the 2021 Jeep Compass?
The 2021 Jeep Compass is ideal for a variety of drivers. Families will appreciate its safety features, spacious cabin, and practicality, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Trailhawk trim’s off-road capabilities. Urban dwellers will find its compact size and responsive handling perfect for navigating city streets. For those seeking a stylish, versatile SUV with a touch of adventure, the Compass is an excellent choice.
Jeep Heritage in the 2021 Compass
The 2021 Jeep Compass carries the legacy of Jeep’s off-road prowess, combining the brand's adventurous spirit with modern versatility. Jeep’s history, rooted in military-grade vehicles and rugged reliability, shines through in the Compass’s design and capability. From its iconic seven-slot grille to the Trail Rated® badge on the Trailhawk trim, the Compass embodies Jeep’s commitment to exploration and durability. Its compact SUV platform ensures it appeals to urban drivers without losing the rugged DNA Jeep enthusiasts expect.
Customization Options and Packages
The 2021 Jeep Compass allows buyers to personalize their vehicle with a variety of customization options and packages. Exterior accessories like roof racks, crossbars, and unique wheel designs let drivers enhance style and utility. For interior upgrades, features like all-weather floor mats, cargo organizers, and illuminated door sills add convenience and flair. Mopar® accessories, including off-road bumpers and rock rails, are available for Trailhawk trims to further enhance performance and durability.
Jeep also offers several optional packages to tailor the Compass to your needs:
- Cold Weather Group: Includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start for added comfort in colder climates.
- Sun and Sound Group: Combines a panoramic sunroof with the Alpine® Premium Audio System for an enhanced driving experience.
- Advanced Safety Group: Adds features like Adaptive Cruise Control and ParkSense® Rear Park Assist for improved safety and convenience.
Infotainment Upgrades
The Uconnect® system is at the heart of the Compass’s tech suite, but higher trims introduce enhanced infotainment capabilities. The 8.4-inch touchscreen in the Limited and Trailhawk trims offers vibrant graphics, faster response times, and built-in navigation. For audiophiles, the optional Alpine® Premium Audio System features a subwoofer and amplifier for rich sound. The available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot ensures that passengers remain connected on road trips, while over-the-air updates keep the system current with the latest features.
Comfort for Long Drives
The 2021 Compass is designed with long journeys in mind. The supportive seats, optional lumbar adjustments, and spacious rear seating make it comfortable for all passengers. Dual-zone automatic climate control, available on higher trims, allows passengers to set individual temperature preferences. The Compass also features active noise cancellation in some trims, reducing road noise and creating a quiet, serene cabin environment.
Winter-Ready Features
For drivers in colder regions, the Compass offers several features to handle harsh winters. The available Cold Weather Group includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel to keep the driver and passengers warm. Remote start lets you heat the cabin before stepping inside, and all-weather floor mats protect the interior from snow and mud. AWD-equipped models ensure traction on icy roads, while the Selec-Terrain® Snow mode adjusts performance for optimal stability.
Resale Value and Longevity
The 2021 Jeep Compass retains value well over time, particularly in trims like the Trailhawk and Limited that offer desirable features. Jeep’s reputation for rugged durability enhances the Compass’s resale appeal, making it a smart investment for long-term ownership. Regular maintenance, supported by Jeep’s extensive dealer network, ensures the vehicle remains reliable for years to come.
Sustainability Initiatives
While not a hybrid, the Compass reflects Jeep’s broader commitment to sustainability. The brand is investing heavily in electrified vehicles, and the Compass is expected to be part of future hybrid and plug-in hybrid expansions. The model’s efficient fuel economy and Eco Mode highlight its role in balancing performance with environmental consciousness.
Test Drive Experience
Driving the 2021 Jeep Compass provides insight into its versatility. On the highway, it delivers a smooth ride with responsive handling. In urban environments, its compact dimensions and tight turning radius make parking and maneuvering easy. Off-road, the Trailhawk trim stands out, confidently tackling rocky trails and muddy paths. Drivers often praise its intuitive controls, comfortable seats, and the immersive infotainment experience during test drives.
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