The 2020 Jeep Compass lasts around 200,000 miles with some engine stalling and stereo system issues reported. At $18,200 to $22,600, it’s a fair value for a compact SUV, but it’s risky to own one out of warranty with high ownership costs.
Is the 2020 Jeep Compass a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a fine year for the Jeep Compass, although it doesn’t stack up well compared to some more advanced compact SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the efficient engine, legroom, along with the entertainment technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for a compact SUV, the seats are comfortable on long drives, although cargo space is lower than average.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no serious issues reported on the 2020 Compass. Avoid models from 2017–2018 which have a lot of engine failures. Models from 2019–2022 are more dependable choices.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is worse than other small SUVs from the four-cylinder engine, which is more focused on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2020 Compass is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG giving 351 miles of range from the 13.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $20 cheaper than average at $166 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Jeep Compass is less expensive than a lot of competitors, although rapid depreciation gives it a lower overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Compass?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Jeep Compass lags behind some of the other compact SUVs on the market, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Compass at 3.4/5, praising the roomy interior for a small SUV, but doesn’t like the slow nine-speed transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2020 Compass a 3.7/5, enjoying the affordable ownership costs as it ages, but owners don’t like the rapid depreciation.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Jeep Compass Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Jeep Compass include the engine shutting off while driving, the stereo system freezing up, along with water getting into the cabin when it rains. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than other compact SUVs from the same years, although repair costs are not very high.
The engine shutting off while driving is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Compass owners in the first 10,000 miles. Usually the engine shutting off is caused by a computer issue. There are some software updates which improve the reliability and are usually installed for free by dealerships. There are also some reports of damaged O2 sensors, which are also covered under warranty. Out of warranty, they’re around $250 to replace.
The stereo system freezing up is another issue reported by Compass owners at around 2,000 miles. There are stereo system software updates available as well, which improve its reliability. Most dealerships will install updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Water getting into the cabin when it rains has also shown up on some Compass models with a sunroof. The drain line from the sunroof to the ground gets clogged or loose in some cases. Cleaning out the line and re-attaching it costs around $100, depending on local labor rates.
There is one recall on the 2020 Jeep Compass, which is better than some other compact SUVs. The recall covers the windshield wipers, which may not function properly due to a loose bolt. Jeep will replace the parts on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Jeep Compass Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Jeep Compass can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $503 per year.
As a used 2020 Jeep Compass reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the intake manifold gasket for $450, hood latch costing $130, along with the transmission oil cooler assembly which costs around $600.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good for a compact SUV offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is lacking behind the competition, only offering a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear parking sensors
Is the 2020 Jeep Compass a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Jeep Compass is a decent value since it’s cheaper than many other compact SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,200 to $22,600, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $22,280 to $30,130. Depreciation is worse than some competitors, losing around 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Compass?
There are four models of the Jeep Compass offered in 2020, from the base Sport, all the way up to the more off-road focused Trailhawk. The Compass is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the model.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Heated Mirrors
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Height-Adjustable Front Seats
- 60/40-Split Rear Bench
- 7-inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Sound System
- USB Ports
Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Alloy Wheels
- Roof Rails
- Rear Air Vents
- Premium Cloth Seats
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Satellite Radio
Limited offers more luxury with:
- Remote Engine Start
- 4-Inch Touchscreen
- Color Driver Information Display
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Heated Front Seats
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 115-Volt Power Outlet
- Nine-Speaker Alpine Audio System
Trailhawk is the off-road model which adds:
- Off-Road Oriented Tires
- Raised Suspension
- Underbody Skid Plates
- Selec-Terrain System
- Xenon Headlights
What Engines Come In the Jeep Compass?
The engine found in the 2020 Jeep Compass is an average 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 180 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, an optional six-speed automatic transmission on the front-wheel drive model, or a nine-speed automatic transmission on the 4WD version. Performance is slow, taking 9.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Compass Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Compass?
The 2020 Jeep Compass is a comfortable compact SUV that offers a spacious cabin and supportive seats. The front seats are well-padded and provide good support for long drives, with the option of an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and available heated front seats for added comfort.
The interior of the Compass is spacious, providing ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, as well as a 60/40 split-folding rear seat design for added versatility. The Compass also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and available all-wheel-drive system. Additionally, the vehicle has been engineered to minimize road and wind noise, making the cabin a quiet and relaxing environment on the road.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Compass Have?
The 2020 Jeep Compass has ample storage space to meet the needs of most drivers. With the rear seats in place, the Compass has 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough to store a lot of items such as several suitcases, a set of golf clubs, or a stroller. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo area expands to 59.8 cubic feet, providing ample space for larger items such as furniture or sports equipment.
In addition to the cargo area, the Compass also has several other storage compartments throughout the cabin. The front doors have pockets that can hold drinks or other small items, and the rear doors have pockets that are perfect for storing maps or other items you may need to access quickly. The center console has a sliding armrest that opens to reveal a deep storage area that can hold a lot of items, including a laptop or purse.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Jeep Compass came out for the 2017 model year.
2015: Altitude & High Altitude models have all-wheel drive available.
2016: Bluetooth & satellite radio standard on Sport model, Limited model discontinued.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new technology, engines, and styling.
2018: No changes from earlier years.
2019: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models.
2020: Small options changes throughout the lineup.
2021: More standard driver safety features, manual transmission discontinued.
How Does the Jeep Compass Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Jeep Compass is a decent compact SUV for shoppers looking for a nice cabin at an affordable purchase price.
The Jeep Cherokee is another small SUV offered by Jeep which costs around $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Cherokee, while the Jeep Compass fits better in large cities where parking is at a premium. We recommend the Jeep Cherokee since you get more features and better reliability for your money.
The Subaru Outback is a wagon which is available for roughly $7,000 more. Standard safety technology is much more advanced in the Subaru Outback, while the Jeep Compass has more responsive steering. We recommend the Subaru Outback since it’s a more reliable choice long term.
