In Jeep’s lineup, the Compass sits right above the compact Renegade and offers more space and some impressive off-road capabilities. This SUV received a significant refresh partway through the 2017 model year, and the 2018 model carries over with just these changes. One thing you can always count on is its value. Here are some of the reasons the 2018 Jeep Compass is a great bargain buy.
The Options
Jeep offers the Compass in four different trims. The base is the Sport, which comes with 16-inch black painted wheels, remote keyless entry, and power-adjustable heated side mirrors. A step up to the Latitude will get you 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails, while the Limited model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels and more tech and safety features. If you want to head out to some rougher terrain, the Trailhawk is the off-road themed model. This has 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension, skid plates, and red tow hooks.
The Power
All the Compass trims come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The entry-level Sport comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, as well as the option for a six-speed front-wheel drive transmission or a nine-speed all-wheel drive transmission. All the other trims come with automatic and front wheel drive, except for the Trailhawk, which has all-wheel drive.
The Performance
Its above-average fuel efficiency makes the 2018 Jeep Compass a great bargain buy. Its estimated fuel economy is higher than other vehicles in its class, and you can expect to get 32 mpg on the highway with the front-wheel drive. The Compass will also get 23 mpg in the city, and its smaller size gives it a tight turning radius, making it a good choice for urban drivers.
The Latest Technology
The two lower trims come with a 5-inch touch-screen display and the smaller Uconnect infotainment system. A bump up to the Limited will get you the larger 8.5-inch touch screen and the upgraded Uconnect system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These models also come with satellite radio and a 7-inch driver instrument panel.
The Trailhawk
Drivers who like to head off on weekend adventures can get a lot of off-road capabilities without paying for a larger vehicle if they choose the Compass Trailhawk. This model comes standard with Jeep’s Active Drive Low four-wheel drive system, which has a 20:1 crawl ratio. It also has a Selec-Terrain traction control system, and a suspension designed for off-road terrain. For its price range, the 2018 Compass is one of the best off-road performers on the market, and you also get the choice between two all-wheel-drive systems. Both of these systems have four traction control settings so you can choose among Auto, Mud, Sand, and Snow.
The 2018 Jeep Compass offers drivers a lot of choices and technology for its price range, and it has one of the best off-road models in its class.
Image by Kent Wang, used under CC BY-SA 2.0
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