10 Jeep Compass Competitors

2018 Jeep Compass front three quarter hero ・ Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

The 2018 Jeep Compass is a capable SUV in an affordable compact crossover package. The Compass bodywork is boldly designed in the Jeep tradition, and this SUV comes with a 2.4-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, paired with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions in front-wheel drive. With Jeep Active Drive single-range or dual-range all-wheel drive, the Compass comes with a nine-speed automatic.

The 2018 Compass offers 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, or 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Compass is a great value, but before you make your final decision, here are 10 competitors to consider. Each one offers AWD and about the same cargo capacity as the Compass, at about the same price range.

2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape offers a new SEL trim level featuring leather upholstery, power liftgate, and the advanced SYNC 3 infotainment system, with support for the popular Waze navigation app and Ford+Alexa for voice recognition. The 2018 Escape has 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat or 67.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Ford offers a selection of four-cylinder engines: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter at 168 horsepower, or a 1.5-liter turbocharged Ecoboost at 179 horsepower, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecoboost at 245 horsepower. Regardless of the engine you choose, the Escape comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy ranges from 20-23 mpg in the city and 27-30 mpg on the highway.

Photo by Ford

2018 Mazda CX-5

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 features a unique predictive all-wheel drive system. This optional system uses data sources ranging from the outside temperature to the windshield wiper setting to engage all-wheel drive even before the wheels begin to slip. The CX-5 all-wheel drive system is suitable for light off-road activities, and it will easily handle any winter weather and gravel or dirt road surfaces. On the road, the CX-5 is easily among the best-handling compact economy crossovers available.

The CX-5 uses Mazda’s SKYACTIV 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Every CX-5 comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Cargo capacity is 31 cubic feet behind the rear seat or 59.6 cubic feet with the seats down.

Photo by Mazda

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is unusual because Subaru’s world-class all-wheel drive system as included as standard equipment. With Subaru’s X-Mode off-road system, the Crosstrek can go almost anywhere. All Crosstrek models are powered by a 2.0-liter engine rated at 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is available, but most buyers will pay extra for the continuously variable automatic, or CVT. In the higher trim levels, the CVT comes equipped with paddle shifters to simulate gearshifts.

As part of a 2018 redesign, Subaru enlarged the back hatch, which gives you access to 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Fold the seats down and the Crosstrek provides 55.3 cubic feet of space to work with.

Photo by Subaru

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi delivered the all-new Eclipse Cross compact SUV for 2018. The Eclipse Cross is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque paired to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is up to 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. AWD is optional.

The Eclipse Cross provides 22.6 cubic feet of cargo area in the back, or up to 48.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. However, the Eclipse Cross also offers sliding and reclining functions in the rear seat, letting you either make the second row more comfortable or add a bit of cargo space. The Eclipse Cross comes with HD radio as standard equipment, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are optional.

Photo by Matt Landish

2018 Nissan Rogue

Nissan’s popular Rogue is among the best-selling compact crossover SUVs in America. The Rogue has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission. AWD is optional. Fuel economy is up to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Cargo capacity is 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row or 70 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

For the first time, the 2018 Rogue offers Pro Pilot Assist as an option. This semi-autonomous driver assistance package includes adaptive cruise control and steering assistance when activated. Nissan also includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as standard equipment.

Photo by Nissan

2018 Toyota RAV4

Toyota’s 2018 RAV4 compact SUV is another best-selling crossover. The RAV4 offers space for five passengers, with 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. This SUV is equipped with a 2.5-liter engine measured at 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. AWD is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is up to 23 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.

For 2018, the RAV4 offers a new Adventure model. This option raises the ride height and includes special rugged exterior trim such as a roof rack. Adventure trim also brings a 120V power outlet in the cargo area and a 3,500-pound tow package.

Photo by Toyota

2018 Honda CR-V

For 2018, the Honda CR-V crossover comes with a standard 2.4-liter engine rated at 184 horsepower and up to 180 pound-feet of torque. All but the base model switch to a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Honda sells every CR-V with a continuously variable automatic transmission, while AWD is optional. The turbo engine delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

The CR-V is a five-passenger crossover with 39 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seat and 75.8 cubic feet with that second-row seat folded down. The CR-V comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, with HondaLink, CarPlay, and Android Auto, and a 180-watt audio system.

Photo by Honda

2018 GMC Terrain

The 2018 GMC Terrain has been entirely redesigned. Engine options for 2018 include a 137-horsepower turbodiesel, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder at 170 horsepower, or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Both gasoline engines come paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel uses a six-speed automatic. AWD is optional with any engine choice, and fuel economy ranges up to 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway with the diesel.

The redesigned 2018 Terrain also offers features like a fold-flat front passenger seat for hauling items up to 8 feet long, up to 63.3 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seat folded, and 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat. 

Photo by General Motors

2018 Hyundai Tucson

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson features a spacious cabin with an available full-length panoramic sunroof. Another special feature of the Hyundai interior is that the rear seatbacks recline up to 37 degrees, bringing front-seat comfort to the rear-seat passengers. The Tucson offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, or up to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Tucson uses a 2.0-liter engine with 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. There is an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine is coupled to a new seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. Tucson is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Photo by Hyundai

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a larger compact with an available third-row seat to hold up to seven passengers. The Tiguan comes with a 2.0-liter engine rated at 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD is optional, with fuel economy up to 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The Tiguan has 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With the third row folded, there’s 37.6 cubic feet, and it provides up to 65.7 cubic feet with both back rows down. If you order the Tiguan with two rows of seats instead of three, you can get up to 73.5 cubic feet of cargo. Standard infotainment is a 6.5-inch touchscreen with support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and VW’s MirrorLink system.

Photo by Volkswagen