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First Drive: 2025 Jeep Compass Still Trails the Best Compact SUVs

Jeep’s small SUV has a peppy engine and an attractive interior, but it can’t overcome numerous flaws

2025 Jeep Compass Limited front driving.
2025 Jeep Compass Limited
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

For now, the 2025 Jeep Compass has to hold down the fort as the brand’s only offering in the compact and subcompact SUV categories, as both the Renegade and Cherokee models were discontinued at the end of the 2023 model year. And with the next-generation Compass not slated to arrive in North America until 2026, we felt it was a good time to take a look at some of the recent changes to this popular model.

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In 2023, Jeep gave the Compass a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain replaced the 180-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a nine-speed automatic, a pairing that delivered slow acceleration, delayed downshifts, mediocre fuel economy, and a general lackadaisical response. So far, the turbo engine definitely feels more powerful and responsive than the unimpressive 2.4-liter.

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The Compass also has standard automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW)—features that are still optional on a number of competitors.

Still, the 2025 Jeep Compass is up against incredibly strong competition from compact rivals like the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. Keep in mind that the Subaru Forester, a consistent Consumer Reports Top Pick, was redesigned for the 2025 model year, as was the Chevrolet Equinox. On top of that, Jeep’s only small SUV also faces competition from subcompact SUVs such as the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross, among others.

Pricing for the 2025 Compass starts at $25,900 for the Sport trim, then walks up the next three trims: Latitude, $28,170; Limited, $32,245; and Trailhawk, $32,395. The destination charge is $1,595, much higher than that of many recent vehicles we have purchased, including heavier and more expensive ones.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the 2025 Jeep Compass is available below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles on the SUV, we will put it through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road test results as soon as they’re available.

What we bought: 2025 Jeep Compass Limited 4X4
Powertrain: 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $32,245
Options: Customer Preferred Package 29G: 225/55R18 All-Season tires, $0
Destination fee: $1,595
Total cost: $33,840

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.