When many drivers think about a Jeep, they generally picture one of two things: a rugged, trail-rated vehicle or a tough SUV that's ideal for adventure. While both of these are accurate descriptions, they don't represent the full Jeep lineup. As your trusted Jeep dealership, we'd like to take a moment to sing the praises of the 2024 Jeep Compass. The Jeep Compass isn't a massive adventure vehicle, and while it is rugged enough to head over the river and through the woods to check out your favorite mountain camping site, only the Trailhawk trim is truly designed to take on off-roading duty.

Instead, the Jeep Compass is a five-passenger small SUV that offers more than enough power for most drivers and plenty of features to keep you and your passengers comfortable no matter how long the trip is. With its standard Jeep Active Drive 4x4 performance and Selec-Terrain drive modes, Compass drivers have a ride that adapts to the situation, providing them with greater peace of mind. Who knows, you might actually find yourself having fun on your daily commute! Take a look at some of the things we love the most about the 2024 Jeep Compass.

What's Included With the 2024 Jeep Compass?

The 2024 Jeep Compass is offered in five different trims: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk. While each trim has its own distinct personality, design, and available features, each comes with an impressive array of standard features.

First, there's the amount of inside space. While the Compass is smaller in stature than a model like the Grand Wagoneer, it's not without creature comforts. Front passengers can enjoy 54.1 inches of hip room, while rear passengers have only slightly less at 49.2 inches. This is right on track for compact crossover vehicles and actually a little more generous than many leading sedans.

All Compass models include a 60/40 folding rear seat. With all seats occupied, the rear cargo space provides 27.2 cu.ft. of room to stash your gear, equipment, and more. With the rear seat fully folded, that opens up to 59.8 cu.ft. of cargo space. A height-adjustable cargo floor is standard across the lineup, with up to three selections to help ensure your cargo has a safe, suitable ride to its destination. Those who select certain trims can also select a hands-free power liftgate, making the Compass even more practical.

Jeep has also included its Uconnect 5 technology in every Compass. The 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display is the gateway to a system that includes AM/FM radio, Bluetooth with voice command, and voice text capability, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Drivers can select additional features and audio systems depending on the trim and package they select, but these basics remain the same across the trims.

Lastly, Jeep provides all Compass drivers with peace of mind. While there are over 80 safety features offered across the lineup, every Jeep Compass comes with Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Active Lane Management, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, and most recently Drowsy Driver Detection, which ensures drivers are able to safely operate their vehicles or act quickly to find a safe option.

Of course, part of the fun of driving any Jeep model is the ability to customize it. Not only are there several trims to choose from, but most trims also offer additional packages that can help each driver select a Compass that's perfect for them.

Power and Performance

The 2024 Compass is not the most powerful vehicle in Jeep's lineup, but when it comes to SUVs of its size, it has some pretty impressive driving chops. First, there's the engine. The 2023 Compass was fully redesigned and equipped with a new engine, which continues into the 2024 model year. All Compass models include a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup provides an impressive 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, a more than appropriate amount for exploring the foothills or navigating traffic on US 9.

Each 2024 Compass includes the famous Jeep Active Drive 4x4 system. While this system is already designed to provide traction and torque to the wheels that need it most, Jeep also includes its Selec-Terrain technology, which allows drivers to select the mode that best fits current weather conditions. Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes are standard across the lineup, providing stability in some of the most popular road conditions we experience here in upstate New York.

The Jeep Compass is also tuned for road comfort. While many Jeep vehicles have suspensions designed to take the bumps of strange terrain, the Compass is largely prepared to provide you with an ideal ride across the pavement. Along with this comes greater efficiency, comfort, and lower emissions. Of course, that doesn't mean you can't stray off-road from time to time, but there is a specific model for that.

The Rugged, Off-Road-Focused Trailhawk Trim

There are actually several factors that combine to provide the Jeep Compass Trailhawk with its official Trail Rated badging. Despite being in the same lineup as the rest of the Compass models, the Trailhawk has an entirely different range of capabilities.

In most cases, the Trailhawk has something extra. For example, it has an extra Selec-Terrain mode—Rock mode provides an articulate ride over uneven, slick, and choppy roads. Trailhawk also includes standard Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4, which includes a 20:1 crawl ratio to help you get through wet and wild conditions.

In addition to an off-road-tuned suspension and all-new all-terrain tires, the body of the Trailhawk is prepared for adventure with a 1-inch factory lift, skid plates, and a modified bumper/fascia design that allows for a 30-degree approach angle, a 24-degree breakover angle, and a 34-degree departure angle. It can handle fording water up to 19 inches deep, and when equipped with Jeep's towing package, can pull loads of up to 2,000 pounds.

It also provides tow hooks, roof rails, and an anti-glare hood covering. Drivers who are looking for a little more comfort can select the Elite Group package to add luxurious features like a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats. Between the standard and available equipment offered for Jeep Compass Trailhawk drivers, this may be one of the most on/off-road versatile vehicles offered.

Experience the 2024 Jeep Compass for Yourself

For those who appreciate the safety, stability, peace of mind, and reliability of the Jeep brand but don't necessarily need to drive across mountains and sand dunes, there's the Jeep Compass. For those who spend most of their time on the roads but occasionally need to dip their tires in mud, gravel, or sand, this iconic Jeep model is the perfect travel companion. Those looking for an all-wheel drive SUV may want to add the Jeep Compass to their list of options. With so many standard features, including driver assistance technology, multimedia connectivity, and the kind of stable, sturdy driving manners that have been associated with the Jeep brand for over 80 years, we can't help but love the Jeep Compass.