The 2025 Jeep Compass Guides the Compact Segment

Since 2007, the Compass has been giving drivers the opportunity to experience Jeep’s legendary performance while still enjoying the practicality that’s inherent to the compact crossover segment. Sure, the Compass boasts a robust Active Drive 4×4 system—or an upgraded torque-rich Active Drive Low 4×4 system on the Trail Rated Trailhawk variant—but it also integrates the latest in comfort, convenience, and safety tech, not to mention an efficient turbocharged engine that offers some real advantages in terms of fuel economy. 

The second-generation Compass was fully refreshed in 2022, and there are some additional modest changes for the 2025 model year. These include a new limited edition Joose exterior color and the addition of heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start function on the Latitude trim. Jeep recently placed the Cherokee crossover on a brief hiatus, which means the Compass is the brand’s only compact offering for the 2025 model year. The Cherokee is sure to be back with a vengeance, but its temporary absence provides the perfect excuse for taking a closer look at a Jeep Compass for sale. Join us as we examine the SUV’s performance, efficiency, and interior and take a brief spin behind the wheel of the off-road-ready Trailhawk trim.  

Performance and Efficiency 

The 2025 Compass offers an optimal mix of performance and efficiency that makes the crossover an exceptional value in the compact segment. Jeep has packed every Compass with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that, thanks to a potent turbocharger, is able to produce some 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Those might not seem like world-moving numbers, but when you factor in the compact’s low curb weight, it’s more than enough power for a lively ride. The Compass can speed from zero to 60 mph in as little as 7.5 seconds, which is a pretty solid showing in a compact class where over eight seconds is closer to the norm.

Drivers will have no problem getting up to speed or holding their own on the highway, with the Compass’ eight-speed automatic transmission delivering a crisp shifting response that makes for an engaging ride. Pure towing power has never been the focus of the compact segment, but the Compass is no slouch, with 2,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity when optioned with all the proper equipment. That’s 33 percent more than the Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, or Honda CR-V, which all top out at 1,500 pounds. Whether you’re looking to tow a small utility trailer or camper, the Compass should have plenty of power to get the job done.     

The Compass provides plenty of fun both on and off-road, but the compact SUV also shines at the gas pump. Between the ultra-efficient 2.0-liter engine, turbocharger, and Jeep’s Engine Stop/Start technology, the 2025 Compass offers an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway for a fuel economy rating of 27 MPG combined. That strong showing allows the Compass to best some of its closest competitors in the compact category. While Jeep has yet to introduce a hybrid version of the Compass here in the States, the company does offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain on the international market as an eco-friendly option for drivers looking to limit emissions without sacrificing performance. There’s no word of the hybrid model making its way to America, but it would certainly be a welcome addition to the lineup. 

The Trail Rated Compass Trailhawk

When you’re a brand that’s synonymous with off-road performance, even your compact crossover model needs to be able to handle tough terrain. Enter the Compass Trailhawk. First introduced in 2017, the Compass Trailhawk transforms the reliable daily driver into a trail-ready rig that’ll be the perfect companion for your next off-the-grid adventure. While it might not be able to achieve the same off-road feats as icons like the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, the Compass Trailhawk is a standout in a compact segment, giving drivers a well-rounded crossover that’s just as much at home on the trail as it is navigating dense city streets or cruising down the highway.

From a driver-selectable locking rear differential and two-speed transfer case to a host of heavy-duty components, revised design, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the Compass Trailhawk provides a full arsenal of off-road goodies that’ll have you tackling the trail with confidence. It all starts with the Trailhawk’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system. Found on Jeep’s Trailhawk models, Active Drive Low improves on the standard Active Drive System with a 20:1 crawl ratio that ensures maximum traction at low speeds. When paired with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, Active Drive Low gives drivers the ability to conquer any surface they might come across, whether it be a muddy, rutted trail, rocky slope, or loose sand. 

The Compass Trailhawk also comes standard with eye-catching red tow hooks on the front and rear bumpers that’ll come in handy if you find yourself mired in a sticky off-road scenario. A factory lift gives the Trailhawk improved ground clearance and enables it to ford up to 19 inches of water, while skid plates protect vital underbody components from the ravages of off-road driving. Jeep has also adjusted the Compass’ approach, breakover, and departure angles to allow for more aggressive driving and outfitted the crossover with 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in Falken Wildpeak all-season performance tires. 

Add in Jeep’s Hill Descent Control, available Mopar rock rails, and more, and it’s easy to see why the Compass Trailhawk has earned Jeep’s vaunted Trail Rated badge. This badge is reserved for the brand’s best off-road models and indicates that a Jeep has aced a grueling series of tests covering the categories that off-road enthusiasts value most. The Compass Trailhawk puts a premium on traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording to create a versatile crossover that defies its compact designation to offer some real off-road utility.   

Interior Appointments

The Trailhawk trim might allow the Compass to go where few other compact crossovers would dare, but it’s the Jeep’s well-appointed interior that’ll really elevate your everyday driving experience. The Compass provides a spacious cabin for a compact SUV, offering comfortable seating for up to five with 100 cubic feet of total passenger volume. That’s a solid number for the segment, but it’s the way in which this space is deployed that really sets the Compass apart from the crowd. Front seat passengers are treated to 39.2 inches of headroom and 41.8 inches of legroom, while those in the back will enjoy 38.5 inches and 38.3 inches, respectively.

That should be more than enough real estate for full-grown adults, especially when you consider the SUV’s higher-than-average seats. This design provides plenty of room for rear-seat passengers to stretch out, relax, and enjoy the ride, no matter if you’re just running errands around town or headed out on the road for an extended road trip. The Compass also offers 27.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all five seats in use and 59.8 cubic feet when the second row is folded down. That should be ample room for suitcases, a full load of groceries, or all the camping and recreational gear you need to make some lasting memories. 

On the tech side, the 2025 Compass comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice recognition and navigation that grows to 10.1 inches on the Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited trims. These higher-end options also come standard with wireless smartphone connectivity, but those who really want to build out the Compass of their dreams should look to the SUV’s optional equipment packages.

The Compass’ optional Sun and Sound Group adds a sense of extravagance to the interior with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and premium nine-speaker Alpine audio system. Meanwhile, the Trailhawk Convenience Group and Trailhawk Elite Group truly max out the Jeep’s luxury credentials. These add everything from a heated steering wheel and front seats and a remote-start system to a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, foot-activated Open ‘N Go liftgate, windshield wiper de-icer, bi-function LED projector headlamps, premium leather-trimmed bucket seats, and more. 

The Driver Assist Group adds a generous complement of convenience- and safety-focused tech, like a wireless charging pad, 360 Surround View Camera, and Jeep’s cutting-edge Active Driving Assist System. Every Compass comes with modern ADAS offerings like Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking and Active Lane Management, but the higher trims up the ante with Traffic Sign Recognition, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and the ParkSense Front and Rear Park-Assist System. These latter two features take all the guesswork out of nestling the Compass into a tight parking spot by leveraging a healthy dose of automation.

Customize Your Compass

With so many trims and optional equipment packages on offer, it’s easy for drivers to customize the 2025 Compass to their liking. Looking for a no-nonsense compact that can hold its own on off-road terrain without breaking the bank? The Sport trim is affordable while still offering the sort of performance that’s long made Jeep the go-to choice for the athletic and adventurous. The Trailhawk takes that reputation to the next level thanks to its Active Drive Low 4×4 system, skid plates, Selec-Terrain traction management system, factory lift, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Limited trim enhances the luxury factor with a comprehensive assortment of comfort, convenience, and tech features that’ll have you looking forward to every ride. If you’re looking to learn more about the 2025 Jeep Compass or test drive one of these enticing trims, stop by The Faricy Boys today. Our friendly team can help you select the ideal Compass for your own particular driving needs and will be here for you well after the sale is final.