The 2025 Jeep Compass carries over its familiar styling—squat profile, squinty headlights, and bold grille—while introducing subtle yet meaningful upgrades. A refreshed exterior features new LED lighting across trims, optional contrasting roof colors, and a late‑year Joose edition paint option for those seeking a splash of personality.
Powertrain & Performance: Turbocharged with Ambition
Under the hood sits a 2.0‑liter direct‑injection turbocharged inline‑4 producing 200 hp and 221 lb‑ft of torque. That’s a noticeable improvement over previous models, delivering quicker 0–60 times (as low as 7.9 seconds) and slightly better on-paper performance. An eight-speed automatic, standard all‑wheel drive, and a class-leading fuel stop-start system round out the drivetrain.
Fuel efficiency lands in middle territory—rated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 27 combined—peeling off ground from key rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek but surpassing models like the Bronco Sport.
On-road, the Compass delivers confident highway composure and adept urban maneuvering. But it tends to reveal its compromises: suspension can feel harsh over rough pavement, the steering vague during spirited cornering, and the brakes suffer from front-end dive under repetitive hard stops.
Trailhawk: A Genuine Off-Road Companion
For off-road adventurers, the Trailhawk trim brings serious chills to seatbacks. It adds a 1‑inch lift, specialized Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and a 20:1 crawl‑ratio low 4×4 system. Combined with Jeep’s Selec‑Terrain modes—including an exclusive Rock setting—this variant can ford up to 19″ of water and tow approximately 2,000 lbs.
Interior & Tech: Comfort Meets Connectivity
Inside, occupants will appreciate spacious legroom (41.8″ front, 38.3″ rear), besting some rivals, and a cargo capacity of 27.2 ft³ (up to 59.8 ft³ with seats folded). Base models feature cloth upholstery, while higher trims offer leather or leatherette, heated seats, and power-adjustable driver seats .
Technology includes the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system (10.1″ touchscreen standard on most trims), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and optional luxuries like wireless charging, Alpine premium audio, Amazon Alexa built-in, and a panoramic sunroof.
However, complaints surface around touchscreen responsiveness, infotainment glitches, and occasional electrical quirks—owners on forums report “screen glitching” or inconsistent automatic-start/stop behavior.
NVH & Ride Quality: A Mixed Bag
The Compass exudes “rental-car vibes,” according to Consumer Reports, citing a stiff, jittery ride and elevated cabin noise. Early startup reveals a rougher engine tone, and road noise infiltrates even at moderate speeds. Merely “okay” handling comes with body roll and sluggish steering feedback; brake feel is described as overly sensitive at low speeds.
Safety & Reliability
Safety gear is plentiful: forward collision braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-centering steering, rear cross-traffic alert, drowsy-driver detection, and optional full 360° camera and Active Driving Assist. Crash tests show IIHS “Good” ratings on many fronts, though the vehicle missed top honors due to updated protocols. Meanwhile, NHTSA gives the Compass a four-star overall rating, with a three-star rollover score.
Reliability is a mixed story: RepairPal places it above average, but forums are replete with warranty shop runs—especially concerning touchscreen failures or coolant-related worries—even in brand-new examples.
Pricing & Trim Walk
Base Sport models start around $27,500–27,900. The mid-level Latitude rings in at ~$29.8k. The upgraded Limited hits roughly $33.8k, while Trailhawk tops at about $33.99k—just slightly more than Limited but packed with off-road readiness
media.stellantisnorthamerica.com. Destination fees (~$1,595) are roughly in line with segment norms.
Verdict: For Whom the Compass Points
The 2025 Compass upholds its Jeep heritage with hearty off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim, and offers strong power and modern tech. It’s an appealing choice for those seeking a compact SUV with weekend-outing potential and bold style.
Yet, trade-offs are real. Buyers should brace for a ride that’s firm, cabin noise that intrudes, occasional infotainment bugs, and a mixed reliability reputation. For urban commuters prioritizing comfort and refinement, rivals like the Honda CR‑V, Mazda CX‑5, and Subaru Crosstrek might offer a quieter, smoother daily experience.
Bottom line: The 2025 Jeep Compass is ideal for adventure-minded buyers who value rugged styling, off-road chops, and a bold tech package—but those after polished on‑road comfort and near-flawless reliability may want to consider other compact SUVs.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros
Vigorous turbo engine with quicker acceleration
Trailhawk shines off-road with genuine Jeep ability
Spacious rear seats and cargo capacity
Modern Uconnect 5 with standard wireless phone integration
Solid safety and driver-assist suite
Cons
Ride quality is stiff; cabin can be noisy
Steering and brake feel lack refinement
Infotainment and electrical bugs reported
Reliability is average—not segment-leading
Competitors offer smoother, more polished rides
The 2025 Jeep Compass stays true to its roots: bold, capable, and ready to explore. It embraces adventure with open arms—but sacrifices comfort and polish to do so. For road warriors and weekend warriors alike, it’s a compelling, characterful compact SUV.