The 2021 Jeep Compass lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average check engine light and brake wear issues reported. At $17,850 to $27,998, it’s a good value for shoppers on a budget, but lags behind a lot of the other small SUVs on the market.
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2021 is a decent year for the Jeep Compass, but it’s still not as good as other small SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the off-road performance, stereo system, along with the decent passenger room in the second row.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are similar to other small SUVs, the seats are reasonably comfortable, but there’s less cargo space than the competition.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are not any major problems found on the 2021 Compass. Models from 2017–2018 are known to have engine failures, while 2019–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – The standard four-cylinder engine is not very quick, making the Compass slower than the average compact SUV.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Compass is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with lane-keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 26 MPG, offering 351 miles of range from the 13.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $18 cheaper than average at $160 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Jeep Compass is cheaper than other small SUVs on the market, with reasonable depreciation rates as it ages.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Compass?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Jeep Compass falls short of some of the competition, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Jeep Compass at 3.6/5, enjoying the easy-to-use technology interface, but doesn’t like the clunky nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Compass a 3.4/5, praising the decent off-road capabilities, but owners don’t like the sluggish engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Jeep Compass Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Jeep Compass include check engine lights, a frozen stereo system, along with some excessive brake wear. Overall, these problems are worse than some other small SUVs on the market, leading to more expensive repair costs as the Compass ages.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Compass owners, showing up at around 20,000 miles. When you get a check engine light, you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code stored in the ECU. Once you know the source of the problem, it costs $50 to $500 to fix.
A frozen stereo system is another problem mentioned by some Compass owners in the first 2,500 miles. Restarting the system usually fixes any issues, but there are also some software updates available. Most dealerships will install software updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Excessive brake wear has also been reported by Compass owners at around 10,000 miles. The front brakes, in particular, tend to wear out quickly. Changing out the brake pads costs around $150, and it’s an additional $300 if you also need new rotors.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Jeep Compass, which is better than some competitors. Since there are no recalls, it simply means none of the issues have affected the safety of the vehicle.
How Long Will the 2021 Jeep Compass Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Jeep Compass can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasing Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $526 per year.
As a used 2021 Compass reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt idler pulley for $120, A/C drier assembly for $350, along with the fuel pump, which costs around $800.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen and a premium Alpine stereo system.
Standard safety technology is very basic since the Compass only comes with a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Jeep Compass is a good value since it’s less expensive than many other small SUVs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,850 to $27,998, making it cheaper than a Subaru Crosstrek or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $24,495 to $31,395. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Compass?
There are four main models of the 2021 Jeep Compass offered, from the entry-level Sport through to the more luxurious Limited, or off-road focused Trailhawk. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Jeep Compass Sport is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Six-way manually adjustable front seats
- 7-inch touch screen
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Android Auto compatibility
- Voice recognition feature
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Two USB ports
- Rearview camera
- Remote keyless entry
- Automatic climate control
- Optional Cold Weather Group package
- Heated front seats (with package)
- Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel (with package)
- Remote start (with package)
Jeep Compass Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Vinyl and cloth upholstery
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Satellite radio
- Proximity keyless entry
- Jeep Altitude variant with black accents
- 80th Anniversary Edition with leather upholstery
- Orange interior stitching (80th Anniversary Edition)
- Upgraded 8.4-inch touch screen (80th Anniversary Edition)
- Optional Driver Assistance Group package
- Adaptive cruise control (with package)
- Blind-spot monitoring (with package)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (with package)
- Rear parking sensors (with package)
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers (with package)
- Forward collision warning (with package)
- Forward automatic emergency braking (with package)
- Lane-departure warning (with package)
- Lane-keep assist (with package)
- Automatic high-beam headlights (with package)
- Optional stand-alone features like panoramic sunroof, Alpine audio system
Jeep Compass Limited has more options, such as:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 4-inch touch screen
- Remote start
- Driver Assistance Group package features
- Optional eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Optional driver’s seat memory settings
- Available ventilated front seats
- Optional nine-speaker Alpine audio system
- Optional navigation
- Available HD Radio
- Optional power liftgate
Jeep Compass Trailhawk is the flagship model with:
- Jeep Active Drive Low four-wheel-drive system
- Low-range gearing
- Hill descent control
- Off-road-tuned suspension
- Additional skid plates
- Two tow hooks
- Optional eight-way power-adjustable front seats
- Optional heated front seats
- Available driver’s seat memory settings
- Optional ventilated front seats
- Optional nine-speaker audio system
- Available navigation
- Optional HD Radio
- Optional remote start
- Available panoramic sunroof
What Engines Come In the Jeep Compass?
The Jeep Compass comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 180 horsepower, offering a balanced blend of power and efficiency. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission in front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive versions are matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive variant achieves a combined fuel economy of around 25 MPG, while the all-wheel-drive model offers slightly less at 24 MPG. Acceleration from 0-60 MPH is achieved in about 9 seconds, providing a respectable pace for daily driving and highway merging.
What Colors Does the Jeep Compass Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Compass?
The 2021 Jeep Compass stands out as a comfortable and accommodating compact SUV, designed with both driver and passenger comfort in mind. The vehicle’s interior is crafted with quality materials, offering a pleasant and inviting cabin atmosphere. Seats in the Compass are well-cushioned and supportive, making them ideal for both short drives around town and longer journeys. The front seats, in particular, provide ample adjustability, guaranteeing that drivers of various sizes can find a comfortable driving position. Additionally, the vehicle features an ergonomic layout, with controls and infotainment systems placed within easy reach, reducing driver strain during operation.
Passenger comfort in the 2021 Jeep Compass is also a significant consideration. The rear seats offer adequate legroom and headroom, accommodating adults comfortably even on longer trips. The cabin’s design minimizes external noise, creating a serene environment that enhances the overall travel experience. This quietness is especially appreciated on highways, where the Compass maintains a calm interior ambiance, free from the intrusions of wind and road noise.
Climate control in the Jeep Compass is effective and user-friendly, maintaining a pleasant cabin temperature in various weather conditions. The availability of features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel in higher trims adds an extra layer of comfort, particularly in colder climates. Overall, the 2021 Jeep Compass provides a well-rounded comfort experience, blending a cozy interior with practical features and a calm ride, making it a commendable choice for those prioritizing comfort in a compact SUV.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Compass Have?
The 2021 Jeep Compass offers a practical and versatile storage solution, ideal for both everyday use and adventurous excursions. Boasting a total cargo space of 27.2 cubic feet behind the second row, the Compass comfortably accommodates a variety of items. When the rear seats are folded down, this space expands significantly, providing up to 59.8 cubic feet of room. This generous space allows for the easy transportation of larger objects such as multiple suitcases, a couple of mountain bikes, or a week’s worth of camping gear. The vehicle’s well-thought-out design guarantees that these items can be loaded and unloaded with ease, thanks to the wide-opening rear hatch and low load floor.
Beyond the primary cargo area, the Jeep Compass is replete with cleverly designed small storage solutions that enhance its practicality. The interior features numerous compartments and pockets, including a sizable glovebox, door pockets, a center console bin, and a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor. These spaces are perfect for storing smaller items like smartphones, wallets, water bottles, and emergency kits, keeping them secure and within easy reach while driving. The Compass’s thoughtful interior design demonstrates a keen understanding of the needs of modern drivers and passengers, guaranteeing that both small essentials and larger items are accommodated with ease.
Overall, the 2021 Jeep Compass emerges as a strong contender in its class, thanks to its blend of spaciousness, convenience, and thoughtful design. Whether it’s for daily commuting, weekend getaways, or longer road trips, the Compass offers a robust and adaptable storage solution, catering to a wide array of storage needs without compromising on comfort or style.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Jeep Compass was launched for the 2017 model year.
2015: All-wheel drive is now offered on the Altitude and High Altitude models.
2016: Standard Bluetooth and satellite radio on the Sport model, Limited model discontinued.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2018: No updates from earlier years.
2019: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models.
2020: Minor changes to the options packages
2021: Additional driver assistance features are standard, manual transmission removed.
How Does the Jeep Compass Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Jeep Compass is a reasonably good small SUV built for shoppers on a budget, although it’s outdated and not as good as a lot of the competition on the market.
The Jeep Cherokee is a slightly larger SUV, which costs about $3,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Cherokee, while the Jeep Compass fits better in small parking spaces found in large cities. We recommend the Jeep Cherokee since there are fewer complaints from owners.
The Toyota RAV4 is another compact SUV available for around $4,500 more. Standard safety technology is much better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Jeep Compass has a stronger four-wheel drive system available. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s one of the most reliable small SUVs on the market.
