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When Jeep advised us to get out there and make the most of the British countryside that goes so terribly unnoticed for much of our busy lives, we might not pass up the opportunity. So we got a Jeep Compass and added one with eye-catching packaging from Ordnance Survey, to see what shenanigans we could get up to in the South Downs.
As a component of this initiative between the two brands, Jeep and Ordnance Survey have gathered a hundred ‘off the beaten path’ sites for us and more to explore, the best opportunity for us to see how well the Compass would perform offline. road.
Before we get into the main points of the trip, a few words about the design of the Compass. Of course, you can buy this car without the really unsettling wrapping that made our eyes laugh every time we looked at it, which is just as clever because underneath is a well-proportioned and tidy SUV.
From each and every angle, the shape is sleek and simple, and is complemented by a plethora of plastic coatings to give it the rugged look of an off-roader. The Jeep’s grille is just as well placed at the front of the Compass as it is in the Wrangler. , has been considerably attenuated.
Overall, the design of the Compass aims to appeal to a more mainstream market, with confident lines converging with the existing market trend. That’s not a bad thing, Jeep logo enthusiasts now have more possible options than ever before.
Let’s start on the asphalt road, as that’s where we’ve spent the most time with the Compass. Our style is the mild hybrid variant, powered by a 1. 5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 130 hp (96 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. When it comes to powertrains, it’s far from the smoothest and doesn’t look particularly encouraging when you ask for a hard hit. A request for immediate acceleration when exiting a junction or on a closed road does not elicit a very vigorous response.
When driving, the Compass takes on a higher pace as the engine noise remains quite muffled, the need to look more than you would be used to plays on the brain when contemplating a quick lane change.
The seven-speed automatic transmission is a little lax, adjustments are immediate and reminds us a little of a teenager who would rather do it tomorrow.
It’s clear that this car is much more suited to the beaten path than many other midsize SUVs it comes across on the market. In fact, you wouldn’t take your VW Tiguan or Peugeot 3008 to the kind of terrain where you can simply throw the Compass. confidence.
We didn’t specifically venture into the depths of nature, but the pleasure we had mixing it with the jungle left us inspired and intrigued. Our styling was limited to front-wheel drive, but we still had the feeling of tackling the unpaved sections of road we encountered. Without a doubt, the PHEV with all-wheel drive would give us even more confidence.
In terms of handling, the Compass struggles to hold its own against more competent cornering rivals. The suspension that holds up on rougher terrain feels comfortable and misguided on the road. While the chassis is passable, it doesn’t offer much of a feel. That gives you confidence to keep going.
A case that is difficult to identify. The interior of the Jeep Compass is a confusing mix of the comfort of a modern SUV and the ruggedness of a classic Jeep. We tested the Limited specification, which is well-equipped with sumptuous generations and fabrics around the dashboard. doors and center console, but things get replaced when you look down, where there are easy-to-clean rubber mats and a handle. Rougher plastics.
Like the rest of the car, there’s obviously an attempt to strike a compromise between familiar comfort and off-road capabilities, and while that sounds a little strange, the result is far from the best of both worlds.
The seats lack support, but the overall ambience of the cabin is stylish, the feel is quite pleasant. The rear seat area is smart for your head and legs, the 438-litre boot feels like a pinch once you start looking. Load up your groceries, your stroller and your hiking boots.
Limited by name, limited by nature? This one sits more towards the lower end of the Compass range, but the popular specs still come with a 10. 1-inch touchscreen infotainment formula with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are heated and air-conditioned front seats. Satellite navigation is a paid option, as is the 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors. You get adaptive cruise and a rearview camera as standard.
The mild hybrid formula is pretty bland when viewed from the steering wheel, it doesn’t give the impression that there’s much going on to liven up the throttle response, however, the 40% mpg in diversity with the 1. 5-litre petrol engine is easily achieved to justify its inclusion.
Don’t look for excitement if you get behind the wheel of the Jeep Compass, it’s not designed to deliver. The engine is hard and mated to a slow transmission, while the ride is sleek and unfocused.
That said, there’s plenty to enjoy, especially when you consider that it provides true comfort for your family while also offering a complete all-rounder that you probably won’t find anywhere else unless you’re looking to spend a lot more. of the Jeep logo will be very happy with it, it does what is written on the box.
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