Full expert breakdown
Buying a new car in India is an exciting journey, but it also comes with a lot of questions. Is it within my budget? How safe is it for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance costs? Does it have the latest features I expect? And how reliable is the company's service network? These are important considerations for every smart car buyer. Today, we are taking a deep dive into an SUV that has made a significant mark in the premium segment: the new Jeep Compass. Let us explore if this rugged yet refined SUV checks all the right boxes for you.
Engine Specifications
The Jeep Compass is renowned for its powerful and efficient powertrain, especially after recent updates.
- Engine Type: 2.0 L Multijet II Diesel
- Maximum Power: 168bhp@3700-3800rpm
- Peak Torque: 350Nm@1750-2500rpm
- Cylinders: 4-cylinder
Design Overview
Exterior Design
The Jeep Compass maintains its iconic, muscular presence that instantly makes it stand out. It blends classic Jeep ruggedness with modern sophistication.
- Signature Grille: The famous seven-slat Jeep grille immediately catches the eye.
- LED Lighting: Sleek LED headlamps and LED DRLs give it a contemporary look.
- Muscular Stance: Bold wheel arches and a strong shoulder line contribute to its imposing road presence.
- Alloy Wheels: Stylish alloy wheel designs further enhance its premium appeal.
Interior Design
Step inside, and the Compass welcomes you to a premium, feature-rich cabin designed for comfort and connectivity.
- Premium Materials: High-quality soft-touch materials are used across the dashboard and door trims.
- Modern Dashboard: A redesigned dashboard features a floating infotainment screen and a clean layout.
- Comfortable Seating: Ergonomically designed seats offer good support for long journeys.
- Digital Cluster: A full digital instrument cluster provides all vital driving information clearly.
Key Features
The Jeep Compass comes loaded with features to make your driving experience convenient and enjoyable.
- 10.1-inch UConnect 5 Infotainment System
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Panoramic Sunroof
- 360-degree Surround View Camera
- Wireless Smartphone Charging
- Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
- Ventilated Front Seats (on select variants)
- Powered Driver Seat with Memory Function
- Rain-sensing Wipers
- Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
What is the Ground Clearance of Jeep Compass?
The Jeep Compass offers a healthy ground clearance of 178 mm, which is sufficient for tackling most Indian road conditions and light off-roading.
What is the Boot Space of Jeep Compass?
The Compass provides a practical boot space of 438 liters, ample for your weekend luggage or grocery runs.
What are the Dimensions of Jeep Compass?
- Length: 4405 mm
- Width: 1818 mm
- Height: 1640 mm
- Wheelbase: 2636 mm
Powertrain Options
Currently, the Jeep Compass in India is offered with a single, but highly capable, engine option:
- 2.0-liter MultiJet II Turbo Diesel: This engine comes paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Drivetrain Options: You can choose between a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) setup for urban use or a capable Four-Wheel Drive (4x4) system for enhanced off-road adventures and better traction.
Safety Features
Jeep prioritizes safety, and the Compass is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.
- Up to 6 Airbags (Standard 6 airbags across variants)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Hill Descent Control (HDC) (on 4x4 variants)
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
NCAP Rating Table
Safety ratings are a crucial aspect for car buyers.
| NCAP Body | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP | Not yet tested | The current India-spec model has not been tested by Bharat NCAP. |
| Global NCAP | Not yet tested | The current India-spec model has not been tested by Global NCAP. |
| Euro NCAP | 5 Stars | (Applicable to the previous generation/platform tested in 2017) This rating reflects a strong underlying structure and safety standards of the Compass platform. |
Rivals of Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass operates in a competitive segment of premium SUVs. Its main rivals include:
- Tata Harrier
- MG Hector
- Hyundai Tucson
- Mahindra XUV700
- Citroen C5 Aircross
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
To help you make an informed decision, here is a balanced view of the Jeep Compass.
Pros of Jeep Compass
- Solid Build Quality: Feels robust and well-put-together, instilling confidence.
- Capable Diesel Engine: The 2.0L MultiJet II diesel offers strong performance and decent fuel efficiency.
- Excellent Ride and Handling: Strikes a great balance between comfortable city rides and stable highway cruising.
- Genuine Off-road Prowess (4x4): The 4x4 variants offer impressive off-road capabilities for adventure seekers.
- Premium Interior Feel: High-quality materials and modern features give it an upscale cabin experience.
- Feature-rich: Loaded with modern conveniences like a large touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and connected tech.
Cons of Jeep Compass
- Premium Pricing: It sits at the higher end of its segment, which might be a deterrent for some buyers.
- Missing Petrol Engine: The absence of a petrol engine option limits choice for some customers.
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate, rear legroom could be better compared to some larger rivals.
- Service Network: While improving, Jeep's service network is still not as widespread as mass-market brands.
- Fuel Efficiency: While decent for an SUV, it may not be class-leading.
Conclusion
The new Jeep Compass continues to be a compelling choice for car buyers in India looking for a premium, capable, and stylish SUV. It offers a unique blend of ruggedness, modern features, and strong performance, especially with its refined diesel engine. If you value robust build quality, a premium cabin, genuine off-road capability (with the 4x4 option), and don't mind its premium positioning, the Compass is definitely worth considering. It is a car that makes a statement and delivers a distinctive driving experience. We highly recommend taking a test drive to truly appreciate what the Jeep Compass has to offer.
