Used Jeep Compass cars for sale

Jeep Compass buying guide

Competing in a segment that already includes strong options like the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Karoq is tricky. Judged on material quality or on-road performance, the Compass returns acceptable rather than outstanding scores. That misses the point of this tough-looking SUV, however, because it's actually capable of some proper off-road driving – going places that would see plenty of rivals get stuck.

What Jeep Compass trim levels are there?

The Compass lineup has evolved over time.

Earlier entry-level models came in Sport trim with 16-inch alloy wheels and air conditioning, along with auto lights and wipers. Sport was phased out with Longitude becoming the new entry-level – this adds climate control, a reversing camera, keyless entry, faux-leather upholstery and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Next up is Night Eagle. This is a mainly visual upgrade with larger alloys and gloss-black styling details. You also get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Limited sits near the top of the range, adding leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front seats and all-round parking sensors.

The poshest Compass you can buy is the Trailhawk. This gets special off-road goodies including a hill-descent system, rock mode, taller suspension, underbody skid plates and tough body cladding.

Jeep Compass interior and technology

Inside the Compass, Jeep gets most of the basics right. Materials that you touch regularly are reasonably soft and creaks are kept to a minimum over bumps. The infotainment screen is mounted high up so you don't need to drag your eyes far from the road to read it and Jeep's Uconnect software is fairly easy to get your head around. Physical knobs and buttons are still employed for the stereo and climate control, although their layout is a little fussier than you'll find in some rivals.

Despite these points, the Compass' cabin is a little more rough-and-ready than rivals like the Qashqai, which have ramped up the amount of premium touches they include to steal a march on the rest of the segment. That said, there's something about the Compass' sturdy simplicity that harks back to Jeep's off-road roots.

Jeep Compass boot space and dimensions

The Compass measures in just shy of 4.4 metres long – bang in the middle of the range for medium-sized family SUVs like the Skoda Karoq and Peugeot 3008. That's still fairly compact, however, so you shouldn't find it too difficult to park the Compass – especially with most models including a reversing camera, and parking sensors being offered higher up the range.

As for boot space, the Compass can muster 438 litres, or 420 litres for plug-in-hybrid 4xe versions. Again, that's average for the class and doesn't stand out on paper against most rivals. Despite this, the Compass' boot is still more than enough for most family buyers, with space for a pushchair or a couple of large suitcases.

Jeep Compass engine range explained

Jeep Compass 1.4 MultiAir 140 petrol

This was the entry-level engine for older Compass models and is still very common on the used market. It's not going to set any records but, with 140hp and a 9.9-second 0-62mph time, it has enough grunt to hit motorways speeds without complaint.

Jeep Compass 1.4 MultiAir 170 petrol

A slightly upgraded version of the standard 1.4-litre engine boosted to 170hp. This model includes four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, so on-paper performance isn't that much better than the 140hp model, although it feels stronger in the real world.

Jeep Compass 1.3 GSE 130 petrol (2022 onwards)

This engine was added to the Compass lineup in 2022 as the new entry-level option to improve its environmental performance. Despite the 10hp reduction over the old entry-level engine, performance is essentially unchanged.

Jeep Compass 1.3 4xe 240 PHEV (2022 onwards)

The most powerful and efficient option in the Compass lineup is a plug-in hybrid. Pairing the standard 1.3-litre petrol engine with a powerful electric motor and battery pack means you can drive without starting the engine for around 30 miles, or achieve more than 100mpg if you use both power sources tactically.

Jeep Compass 1.6 MultiJet 120 diesel

Diesel engines were phased out from the Compass lineup in response to falling demand. However, you'll still find examples on the used market. The range starts with a 1.6-litre unit with 120hp. It feels a little gutless at full throttle but should be able to return more than 40mpg with gentle driving.

Jeep Compass 2.0 MultiJet 170 diesel

This is the upgraded diesel engine option in the Compass range – again, these have since been phased out. With 170hp on tap, it feels much more relaxed on the move, and fuel economy only falls to a figure in the high 30s.