2023 Jeep Compass: the one we offer

With only 766 units sold in 2022 (two more than 2021, mind you), the Jeep Compass is the least sold vehicle in its segment in Quebec. This is about the only feat he can achieve.

Slightly updated for the 2022 model year, it inherits the new 2023 technology. Car Guide traveled to California to test drive the 2023 Jeep Compass on and off-road. Here is a full review of our first impressions.

Goodbye, tiger!

Introduced in 2017, the second-generation Compass is powered by the old Tigershark 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. It was completely outdated technologically, it was noisy and lacked refinement. For 2023, the Compass gets a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine.

This produces 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Technically, there is nothing really revolutionary. This is a very popular engine in Stellantis. as it is especially used in Cherokee. However, Scott Tallon, director of the Jeep brand, told us that he chose to reduce the power to achieve respectable fuel consumption and find the right balance.

In the past, the Compass had the right to a nine-speed transmission (six in the case of the basic version with the front wheel drive that has been removed). These two boxes have been replaced by an eight-speed automatic transmission. It works well and smoothly.

It should also be noted that the rechargeable hybrid is sold in other markets. Seeing the success that Jeep is having with the Wrangler 4xe and the enthusiasm surrounding the Grand Cherokee 4xe, everything leads us to believe that the Compass 4xe could attract some Quebec buyers. Alas, we have to deny ourselves!

The management of the brand refuses to state their intentions on the sale of such a version in North America. Therefore, there is no electric signal for a short time, which we regret. Note that the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4 offer electric variants in a segment where competition is fierce.

Inside

Considering that the Compass cabin was refreshed in 2022, not much has changed for 2023. Without being glorious, it is acceptable as a presentation. Depending on the version chosen, drivers will have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of them. In the middle of the dashboard, there is a 10.1-inch touchscreen that uses Uconnect 5 technology. The system remains more efficient.

Up front, we are sitting comfortably, of course, but we can feel very fast. The space between the driver and his passenger seemed small to us. Note that tall people will find the rear headroom insufficient.

They still go through two groups

Above, we mentioned that the Compass is the lowest selling in its category. Let’s grab a coffee and briefly analyze the whole thing, because in our opinion the Compass faces the same problem as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. It revolves around two parts. The Renegade is a small SUV. Jeep Cherokee is a small SUV. What is the Jeep Compass? SUV between two types.

The same goes for the Eclipse Cross which is sandwiched between the RVR (subcompact) and the Outlander (compact). So, the Compass can’t compete in the subcompact segment because of its price, but it doesn’t impress in the compact segment either.

And that’s not all, because Dodge is about to land a Hornet that will place itself somewhere in the middle of it all…

In off-road driving, what does it look like?

On a small sandy, rocky, muddy course featuring a large drop, we were able to test the Compass’ off-road skills. While we didn’t climb the biggest rocks in the world, it was still a route most Wrangler buyers would never venture.

With stock tires not even offered for the exercise, it was impressive how easily the little Compass Trailhawk was able to handle itself. Its tires were definitely its biggest flaw, otherwise it would have been able to slide almost anywhere. On the road, we also found the ride to be generally stable.

At the end of our test, conducted in seemingly ideal conditions, the on-board computer showed a rating of 9 L/100 km. For its part, Natural Resources Canada advertises a rating of 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving. For the 2022 model year, the rating announced by the government agency was 9.5 L/100 km for the Compass 4X4. In our case, we had achieved consumption of 10 L/100 km after more than 500 km at the wheel of the 2022 Compass.

How much does it cost?

Right off the bat, let’s note that the Compass comes standard with a 4X4 drivetrain for 2023. This is an important feature when you wear a Jeep crest, right? Until last year, this SUV in search of identity could be ordered in a front-wheel drive version in the case of the basic Sport version. This has been removed from the catalog.

In Canada, the Compass starts at $35,495, which is about a $2,000 jump over the outgoing model. For the mid-range version, the Elevation, you’ll pay $41,895. Then, at the top of the range is the Limited edition for $43,395. This amount must be plus shipping and handling costs ($2,095) and tax.

Unfortunately, we were unable to find more data on financing and leasing.

In short

After traveling more than a hundred kilometers at the wheel of the Compass 2023, we have to admit that this new mechanism is welcome. However, what we really want is hybrid technology. And unfortunately, we have to continue to do without it.

Not many users choose Compass and we understand that. Its added value compared to other vehicles in the segment is low. Compass has never been part of our recommendations in this niche and we maintain our position despite the changes made to the 2023 model.

If, despite everything, you have a weakness for this car, we advise you to avoid going to the very high market and settle for a cheaper version.

See also: reliability at Fiat/Chrysler, reputation holding…