With only 766 units sold in 2022 (two more than in 2021, it should be noted), the Jeep Compass is the least sold vehicle in its category in Quebec. This is about the only feat he is able to achieve.
Slightly revamped for the 2022 model year, it inherits new mechanics for 2023. The Car Guide traveled to California to test drive the 2023 Jeep Compass on and off the road. Here’s the full review of our first impressions.
Goodbye, tiger!
Introduced in 2017, the second-generation Compass has until now been powered by the antiquated 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Tigershark four-cylinder engine that puts out 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. Completely outdated technologically, it was noisy and lacked refinement. For 2023, the Compass gets a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Photo: Germain Goyer
This produces 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Technically, nothing really revolutionary. This is a well-known engine at Stellantis. since it is used in particular in the Cherokee. However, Scott Tallon, director of the Jeep brand, told us that he chose to reduce the power in order to achieve respectable fuel consumption and obtain the ideal balance.
In the past, the Compass was entitled to a nine-speed transmission (six in the case of the base version with front-wheel drive which has been eliminated). These two boxes have been replaced by an eight-speed automatic transmission. It works quite well and smoothly.
It should also be noted that a rechargeable hybrid is marketed in other markets. Seeing the success that Jeep is experiencing with the Wrangler 4xe and the enthusiasm surrounding the Grand Cherokee 4xe, everything leads us to believe that a Compass 4xe could charm certain Quebec buyers. Alas, we have to deprive ourselves of it!
Photo: Germain Goyer
The managers of the mark refuse to specify their intentions on the marketing of such a version in North America. Thus, there is no sign of electrification in the short term, which we regret. Remember that the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4 offer electrified variants in a segment where competition is fierce.
Inside
Given that the Compass’s cabin was refreshed in 2022, not much has changed for 2023. Without being grandiose, it’s acceptable as a presentation. Depending on the version chosen, drivers will have 10.25-inch digital instruments in front of them. In the center of the dashboard, there is a 10.1-inch touchscreen using Uconnect 5 technology. A system that remains as efficient as ever.
At the front, we are well seated, of course, but we can quickly feel cramped. The space between the driver and his passenger seemed restricted to us. Note that tall people will find the rear headroom insufficient.
Photo: Germain Goyer
Still straddling two categories
Above, we mentioned that the Compass is the least sold in its category. Let’s take a sip of coffee and briefly analyze the whole thing, because in our opinion the Compass suffers from the same problem as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. It straddles two segments. The Renegade is a subcompact SUV. The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV. What is the Jeep Compass? An SUV between two categories.
The same goes for the Eclipse Cross which is wedged between the RVR (subcompact) and the Outlander (compact). Thus, the Compass cannot be competitive in the subcompact segment because of its price, but it is not attractive in the compact segment either.
And that’s not all, because Dodge is about to land with the Hornet which will nebulously position itself somewhere in the middle of it all…
Photo: Germain Goyer
In off-road driving, what does it look like?
On a small sandy, rocky, muddy course characterized by a large drop, we were able to test the off-road skills of the Compass. Although we didn’t climb the biggest rocks in the world, it was still a trail that a majority of Wrangler buyers will never venture on.
With the stock tires that hadn’t even been deflated for the exercise, it was impressive how easily the little Compass Trailhawk managed to handle itself. Its tires were definitely its main shortcoming, otherwise it could sneak just about anywhere. On the road, we also noted that the ride is generally firm.
At the end of our test, carried out in conditions deemed optimal, the on-board computer showed a rating of 9 L/100 km. For its part, Natural Resources Canada announces a rating of 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving. For the 2022 model year, the rating announced by the federal agency was 9.5 L/100 km for the Compass 4X4. For our part, we had obtained a consumption of 10 L/100 km after more than 500 kilometers at the wheel of the 2022 Compass.
Photo: Germain Goyer
How much does it cost?
From the outset, let’s specify that the Compass comes standard with the 4X4 drivetrain for 2023. This is an essential element when you wear the Jeep crest, right? Until last year, this SUV in search of identity could be ordered in a front-drive version in the case of the base Sport version. This has been removed from the catalog.
In Canada, the Compass starts at $35,495, which is a jump of about $2,000 over the outgoing model. For the mid-range version, Altitude, you’ll pay $41,895. Then, at the top of the range sits the Limited version at $43,395. To these amounts must be added freight and preparation costs ($2,095) and taxes.
Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain further data regarding financing and leasing.
Photo: Germain Goyer
In short
After having traveled more than a hundred kilometers at the wheel of the Compass 2023, we have to admit that this new mechanism is welcome. However, what we really want is hybrid technology. And unfortunately, we must continue to do without it.
Not very many consumers opt for the Compass and we understand that. Its added value compared to other vehicles in the segment is low. The Compass has never been part of our recommendations in this niche and we maintain our position despite the changes made to the 2023 model.
If, despite everything, you have a weakness for this vehicle, we advise you to avoid going upmarket too much and to settle for a low-cost version.