Used 2020 Jeep Compass High Altitude for sale 

Where most of the manufacturers try to stuff as many features as possible in just a handful number of trims, the folks at Jeep follow a different ideology altogether. The Jeep Compass has been segregated in 6 different trim levels.

The price for the base trim of the Compass - "Sport FWD" starts at $22,100 and the rest five of them are stuffed somewhere around the $30k mark itself. Adding more to the flexibility of the consumer, you can get any trim of your choice equipped with either FWD (Front-wheel-drive) or a 4X4 setup as well. Ofcourse, the 4X4 setup will ask for an extra $1,500 as compared to the FWD setup. 

However, the "Latitude" and "Altitude" trims can be had with either of the aforementioned setups with no change in their MSRP. Also, the Trailhawk trim, being a legendary offroad icon, cannot be had in an FWD setup for pretty obvious reasons. Moreover, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk comes equipped with a different 4X4 setup (with LSD) underneath that isn't anything like the other 4X4 Compass models. Apart from these 6 trims, Jeep has also prepared a special Compass for people living in the cold states.

Going by the name "NORTH EDITION", this iteration of the Compass comes equipped with extra abilities to tackle the inconvenience caused by snowy areas. It offers high profile winter tires and tow hooks as standard. More features such as Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel and all-weather floor-mats come bundled as standard with this trim. Now that's really very thoughtful of Jeep.

Which Compass should you pick?

The Altitude trim makes a good value for your investment as it opens up the compatibility for many optional packages that Jeep provides. Apart from that, there are a plethora of features offered as standard and you'd feel content with the poise ride quality offered by the 18-inch wheels. Oh, and do not forget to check the 4X4 option as what is a Jeep with no 4X4?  

However, if you are willing to spend more time around the rocky trails as opposed to the Uban Jungle, there's nothing better than the legendary Trailhawk trim. It brings some stupendous mechanicals along with it that can challenge many hardcore offroading rival SUVs.

Under the hood, the 2020 Jeep Compass is driven by a 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-4 engine that makes 180 HP of power at 6400 rpm. With a total torque of just 175 lb-ft., the Jeep Compass's heft further makes it a tortoise off the line. The Trailhawk's better 4X4 setup certainly improves the delivery of all that torque, but it is better suited for off-roading only.

Either a 6-speed manual (only for Sport and Latitude) or a 9-speed torque-converted Automatic transmission translates the power to Compass's wheels. Depending on the trim and setup you choose, you get to decide whether the gearbox talks to just the front-wheels (FWD) or all four of them (AWD). Talking about long rides, you may not be happy with this engine as it takes quite a while before triple-digit speeds start to come in sight. For city purposes though, the Compass's motor is a gullible companion doing exactly what you want it to do.

We really liked the Toyota RAV4's motor as it is timid in response and gets off the line pretty quickly. The Jeep's heft takes away that excitement when on the paved roads. The Ford Escape might be the most powerful one here but its high-revving nature can get on your nerves at times.  

How fast is the Jeep Compass from 0-60 MPH?

On flat-footing the accelerator, the Compass's 2.4L motor excites the SUV from 0-60 MPH in under 10 seconds. 9.1 seconds to be precise. Quarter mile time of the 2020 Jeep Compass stands at 17 seconds which is also not a very clap-worthy performance.

There's a bit of delay of response from the 9-speed torque converter and the Compass's motor isn't very friendly to it either. If you accidentally happen to flat-foot the Compass's accelerator, do not worry, it won't really jump off the line. Add that to the "sedated" gearbox and all you have is a city cruiser that can just manage to take you from point A to B in a not-so-hurried way. It would be a comfy ride though. 

Somehow, the Toyota RAV4's engine might feel a bit more punchier, it still takes the same time as the Compass does. The Escape's responsive nature takes it to the 60 MPH mark the quickest in this comparison.  

What about the Jeep Compass's Ride and Handling?

Don’t be fooled by its bulky body, the 2020 Jeep Compass is a ninja born out of sheer legacy. With its 4X4 capabilities, the Compass is an all-rounder SUV in true sense. Tarmac or non-tarmac, Compass has never said no to a challenge. Adjust the Compass's 8-way adjustable seats and a well balanced and perfectly weighted steering wheel welcomes you for a comfortable ride ahead. 

Make the first turn on your morning commute and you will be surprised with the Compass's turning capabilities. No understeer or fear of stalling or toppling over the fence. The 2020 Compass is down to earth in true sense. Ofcourse, we are talking by the segment standards. The Ford Escape is one of the exceptions that even surpasses the Compass's sure-footedness to offer a much more engaging drive.

How quickly does the Compass brake from 60-0 MPH?

When tested, the Jeep Compass came to a perfect halt from 60-0 MPH in 140ft. which, yet again, is not a very impressive number. However, the Compass's 12-inch front brake rotors and 11-inch rear ones keep the SUV balanced and grounded. There is a considerable nose-dive though, which might scare you off at times under hard braking applications. Nevertheless, the perfectly tuned suspension setup certainly improves the whole braking experience.

The Jeep's brake pedal feels crisp and trust us when we say this, the 2020 Compass is an SUV like no other. One of the reasons why it's considered one of the best in the market is due to its off-roading capabilities and we all know how important the braking factor is for that to happen.

The Ford Escape has cleared the performance front with the best results in this comparison. Certainly, it uplifts its reputation here too, by covering the smallest stretch of tarmac to come to a halt. The big and bulky Jeep might behave well when the brakes are applied, but it seems like an illusion as it needs quite a big patch to stop. 

Also Read:

What makes the Trailhawk Trim so special?

Should you consider the Toyota RAV4 over the Jeep Compass?

The 2020 Jeep Compass can churn out 22 MPG within the city limits and 30 MPG when you hit the freeways. That’s pretty much equal to any mid-range sedan in the market. It produces a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG which is a pretty respectable number for a 2.4L motor. Perfectly built gear ratios and a fine-tuned engine further complement the performance of the Compass. 

The Ford Escape's high-revving motor works against its favors here. Also, it is the only turbocharged rivals in talks here which further magnifies this the fuel-guzzling nature. The Toyota RAV4 shines the brightest in this comparison thanks to its eco-friendly 8-speed automatic transmission.

Step into this SUV and the Compass's interiors are sure to impress you. Comfortable, functional, and enough spacious for five people, the 2020 Compass presents a stylish dash in its cabin. Materials used are not up to the mark but definitely get the job done. For the price Jeep is offering the Compass, this SUV is more than capable. Hop on the rear seats and you will feel the abundance of space instantly. Although it's not the biggest seat available in the market when compared in the same segment, it is spacious and has enough legroom. It is definitely not a luxury SUV but has enough knick and knacks to keep you comfortable for long drives.

How comfortable is the Jeep Compass on the inside?

Roomy interiors and enough legroom make the 2020 Jeep Compass a definite long road commuter. 5 adult passengers can easily travel across the States in this baby Jeep and guess what, it also has one of the best fuel economies on the freeways. Had it been a bit more powerful though. When admired from the front, the Compass looks a bit boxy but this design helps make the cabin roomy which adds to its comfort.

Specially designed padded seats with side bolster further accentuate the seating experience. The rear bench has, one of the best in the segment, amount of passenger volume. Three people can, relatively, be comfortable and can spend a few hours comfortably. Ofcourse, the Compass's impressive ride quality also plays its part. That said, the cushioning of the bench could have been a little softer as the stiff setting could get bad for people with spinal issues.

The Toyota RAV4's smart design steals the cake away. It's low hood-line and a high roof-line, together, enable an airy cabin and also the most spacious of the lot. It is the exact opposite case with the Jeep Compass where the hood is pretty high up and the low-set roof eats up some space. Nevertheless, the Ford Escape feels a bit more spacious at the front, but it is the most cramped at the back in this comparison.

What to expect from the Jeep Compass's Infotainment system?

In case you pick either of the Sport or Latitude trims, your Compass will welcome you via a 7.0-inch, touchscreen, UConnect Multimedia display that is the central administrator of the entertainment front. Moving to the top trims will upgrade this infotainment to a bigger, better, and prettier, 8.4-inch UConnect Multimedia touchscreen display that offers a crisp picture quality.

The 7.0-inch infotainment is borrowed from the Renegade and doesn't match with the Compass's personality. The bigger 8.4-inch unit, on the other hand, is the real deal and feels much more interesting to interact with. The latter display features lag-less transitions between the menus and inspire you to spend more time with it. The Renegade-borrowed 7.0-inch display is otherwise, there is a considerable lag and you would need more than just a slight nudge on the touchscreen to interact with it. That said, few key features pertaining to the infotainment system of the Compass are:

• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot
• SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite with seek-scan
• Smart device integration
• Voice assisted GPS navigation
• 6 speakers/ 9 Alpine speakers
• Real-time weather display

How much Cargo can the Jeep Compass carry?

Let's talk numbers first. The 2020 Jeep Compass is a capable utilitarian in all senses but loses out here with just a mere 27.2 cu.ft behind the second row. Folding the 60-40 manually-foldable rear row down will expand this space to 59.8 cu.ft which is, yet again, an average number, if not worse. On the bright side, the Compass's tailgate lifts pretty high without having you to bend down in order to load luggage. There's only a little elevation at the boot-lip, so you can slide your luggage comfortably on the loading bay. 

  Despite its boxy stance, the Compass doesn't provide the best cargo space in the segment. Jeep has provided the Compass with cargo space, enough to carry airport luggage and bags for a short road trip. Even with the seats down, the SUV can carry only up to 17 standard size suitcases which is not an impressive feat. Although, you can install roof rails and a luggage carrier on the top for enhanced cargo capacity.

The Jeep loses out to everyone here. Infact, the Ford Escape, which looks even smaller than the Jeep, offers more space than the latter. There's no challenging the smartly built Toyota RAV4 as it just blows everybody away with the best cargo capacity in the segment, thanks to its low-slung window-line and a higher roof-line.

What are the interior highlights of the Jeep Compass?

When you go for an SUV in a price bracket where even the sedans pack only a limited amount of features, you wouldn't be too optimistic from its feature-list. Thankfully, that's not the case with the 2020 Jeep Compass. It brings a host of unique interior characteristics that help in improving the comfort and utility factor of the cabin. Some of the key features that really caught our eye are:

• Day-night rearview mirror memory settings
• Panoramic sunroof
• In-cabin Air filter
• Illuminated auxiliary driver and passenger-side visor mirrors
• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• Heated steering wheel with telescopic adjustability
• 8-way power driver seat
• Driver and passenger heated seats
• 6-way manual passenger seat adjustments
• Front center armrest
• Power 4-way driver lumbar support

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How does the Toyota RAV4's interior stack up against the Jeep Compass?

Should you consider the Chevrolet Equinox over the Compass?

Jeep has followed a definitive styling line all through the generations of the Compass. Some key elements of the 2020 Compass include rugged and off-road touches, some chrome claddings and a boxy yet versatile exterior stance. The 2020 Compass comes finished with wide headlights stretching to the fenders, sleek lines with rounded corners, and relatively staid exteriors. The squared-off wheel arches perfectly imitate its elder sibling- the Jeep Grand Cherokee., and further add to the brawny presence of this SUV.

Wider wheelbase and higher ground clearance make the 2020 Jeep Compass a perfect off-roader. This factor not only adds to the commanding stance of the SUV but further enhances the Compass's performance scorecard as well. The dimensions of this SUV are smartly designed to give it a luxurious stance on the outside while keeping the Compass comfortable from the inside. The SUV weighs almost equal to its competitors in the segment while its length and width vary by a few inches. 

Since this is the top variant of the Ford Escape in the discussion here, it tips the scales way more than the rest of the competitors as far as the curb weight is concerned. This variant of the Escape brings along a host of features that increase its weight and make it look bad in this picture. However, it's not the case here. The Escape looks pretty conservative as opposed to the Jeep and even when compared with the Toyota RAV4.

What features on the outside will draw your attention towards the Jeep Compass?

The Jeep Compass isn't very flashy in its looks and doesn't flaunt any extraordinary jewelry or a crown on top of its head. It took birth to be a daily-driven family companion with all the characteristics screaming utility here and there. Treading on these lines, the 2020 Jeep Compass brings along a plethora of useful features, not just on the inside, but some on the outside as well. The best out of these features that we were impressed with are: 

• Fully galvanized steel body material
• Body-colored front and rear bumpers with black rub strip
• Colored bodyside cladding
• Turn signal indicator mirrors
• Class III trailering kit with hitch and harness
• Rear lip spoiler
• Paint with two-tone
• Bodyside cladding
• Power remote heated manual folding side-view door mirrors with turn signal indicator
• Heated door mirrors
• Power liftgate

Apart from the performance front, this another department where anxiety hits the Jeep Compass. Yes, it has been well-put-together and there is no rattling of the plastics or whatsoever, however, it isn't the strongest out of the lot.

Even the NHTSA's award for the Compass with four stars narrate the same story. Nevertheless, the folks at Jeep have been considerate enough to stuff the 2020 Jeep Compass with some benchmark features that are mostly offered as standard across the family. Some of the most impressive safety features bundled up within the Compass are:

• All-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS
• Driveline Traction Control System (TCS)
• Brake assist with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) 
• Occupant sensing airbags
• Electronic stability control with anti-roll (ESC)
• Anti-whiplash front head restraints
• Side-impact bars
• Forward Collision Warning-Plus forward collision mitigation

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See how well-built is the Ford Escape

Is the Toyota RAV4 better-built as opposed to the Compass?

2020 Jeep Compass vs. Ford Escape

Park the two batch holders side by side and you will notice some stark differences in the styling. While jeep focuses on making the Compass look a bit rugged, Ford focuses on making the Escape look sleek, plush, and luxurious. On the pricing scale, the 2020 Ford Escape is about $7k costlier than the Compass.

It also produces much louder power specs than the Compass both in terms of horsepower and torque. So if you do not mind the Ford's premium over the Compass and are not really an off-road enthusiast, we'd say you pick the Ford Escape by all means.

2020 Jeep Compass vs. Toyota RAV4 

These two are the most talked-about off-roaders of the segment that lock horns with each other as soon as the Compact SUVs come into the discussion. Where the Toyota RAV4 looks more like a Tarzan - the character, the Jeep Compass looks like an executive suited up with some finely tailored ornaments. Well, the beauty might lie in the beholder's eyes but the Compass makes its point with some outstanding off-roading tricks up its sleeve. It also feels a bit more planted and poised on the roads. But that's about it!

The Toyota RAV4 comes back into the argument with some of the best fitments inside and offering an airy cabin as well. It is also a better-built vehicle that is reliable enough to be lent to your son once he graduates. Its fuel economy is also the best in the segment. Hence, the Toyota's slight premium over the Compass certainly makes a sensible deal.

All in all, Jeep does have some amazing offerings with great styling and comfort. Pricing is brilliant for the kind of performance you can expect while keeping fuel economy at check. We'd say you plant a firm foot on the 2020 Jeep Compass if you are in the market for a daily-driver with amazing ride quality and plush interiors.