The engines offered with the 2016 Jeep Compass are the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter engine is the base engine option and makes an output of 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.4-liter engine makes 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The differences aren’t very big. The car drives around at a meager pace, it’s nothing super exciting. But for the price you pay, you will be happy with the result. However, the 2.4 liters should be enough to keep you running with the traffic. With the 2016 Compass, Jeep provides three different transmission options. While a 5-speed manual is available as standard with the base trim, the higher trims make use of a CVT unit for FWD variants and a 6-speed automatic setup for the optional AWD. The 75th Anniversary Edition is mated to the automatic transmission with both its drivetrain options.
|
Model
|
Jeep Compass
|
Chevrolet Equinox
|
Hyundai Tucson
|
|
MSRP
|
$19,695
|
$22,600
|
$22,700
|
|
Engine
|
Regular Unleaded I-4 2.0 L
|
Gas I4 2.4/145
|
Regular Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/122
|
|
Drivetrain
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
|
Transmission
|
5-speed Manual
|
6-speed Automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
|
|
Power
|
158hp
|
182 hp
|
164 hp
|
|
Torque
|
141lb-ft
|
172 lb-ft
|
151 lb-ft
|
The highest power output among the competitors is made by Chevrolet’s Equinox. It belts out 182hp along with the highest torque output of 172lb-ft. The Tucson comes in second but it's slightly more powerful than the Compass and doesn’t make the biggest of the differences. While all three SUVs are channeled as FWD variants, the Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson come with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission.
2016 Jeep Compass Acceleration
The 2016 Jeep Compass is not a vehicle that flies through the traffic as soon as you put your foot on the pedal. It takes its sweet time to build speed. However, its performance remains class-competing. The 2016 Compass sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and can further complete a quarter-mile run in 17.3 seconds, all while managing a top speed of 115 MPH.
| Model |
Jeep Compass |
Chevrolet Equinox |
Hyundai Tucson |
|
0-60 mph (seconds)
|
9.5s
|
9.5s
|
9.7s
|
|
Quarter-mile (mph)
|
17.3s
|
17.0s
|
17.2s
|
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
115
|
130
|
125
|
When compared to the competitors, the performance of each SUV differs from the other marginally. While the Chevrolet Equinox manages similar timings in the 60mph run as the Jeep Compass, the 2016 Hyundai Tuscon remains behind its competitors clocking 9.7 seconds. The 2016 Equinox continues with its consistent performance even in the quarter-mile run and manages 17 seconds on the clock, making it the fastest SUV in the segment.
2016 Jeep Compass Ride and Handling
The 2016 Jeep Compass has a lot to work on when it comes to riding and handling quality. The suspension and steering system lacks the preciseness one would expect from a compact SUV and the engines in themselves lack refinement for better ride quality. The CVT transmission is clunky and does not fit in well and in tandem with the overall powertrain setup. However, the 6-speed automatic transmission is a relief. One aspect worth acknowledging about the Jeep Compass is its ability to tread on off-roads better than its competitors.
2016 Jeep Compass Braking
The 2016 Jeep Compass sports a set of rather small-sized brakes when compared to its competitors. While the front brake measures 11.5 inches, the rear brakes measure a meager 9 inches. However, the Compass is the lightest vehicle in the segment, a factor that helps it decelerating quicker than its rival from the 60 mph mark taking 121ft to come to a standstill.
| Model |
Jeep Compass |
Chevrolet Equinox |
Hyundai Tucson |
|
Brake size (front) (in)
|
11.5
|
12.6
|
12
|
|
Brake size (rear) (in)
|
9
|
11.9
|
11.9
|
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3,107
|
3,764 |
3,325 |
| 60-0 mph |
121 |
N/A |
121 |
When compared to the competitors, the Chevrolet Equinox features the largest set of brakes measuring 12.6 and 11.9 inches at the front and rear respectively. However, its braking capabilities are not yet known. On the other hand, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson covers similar ground as the 2016 Jeep Compass before coming to a halt from the 60MPH mark.
