The Compass has been requiring an update for a long time and in the face of new competition, it was something that was long overdue. With the recent arrival of the Citroen C5 Aircross , Tata Safari , and others, the premium SUV space suddenly looks crowded. Well, better late than never since the new Jeep Compass is now here, and it is packed with the latest technology and features. So can the new Compass steal back the limelight? Let us take a look.

New Jeep Compass Review

How does the new Jeep Compass look?

The new Compass does not look hugely different from the front but there are some key changes which are indeed welcome as they inject fresh life into this design. The Compass has always been a handsome SUV but the changes make it steer towars a more premium image. First of all, this new color looks great while the grille and the logo are de-chromed for a stealthy look. There are new headlamps and even the front bumper is all new. There are also much better-looking 18-inch alloy wheels, while the rear styling is limited to new tail-lamps.

In total, the Compass range has three new color options – Techno Metallic Green, Galaxy Blue and Bright White.

What about the interiors?

There is a lot more to talk about here than the exterior since Jeep has completely re-done the entire cabin. A new dashboard and new upholstery is being used while there is a complete change in the technology department. The smaller touch screen has been replaced by a 10.1 inch unit while even the instrument cluster is all digital. This top-end version that we drove had the ‘S’ specification and that means it is the fully loaded model.

The all-black cabin looks and feels good with a real quality touch. There is leather and also soft touch corporealities being used inside the cabin while the silver finish to the switches or the line going across the cabin is also classy. You will also notice a new steering wheel while there are plenty of buttons along with the terrain management system knob below. We will also add that the doors close with a solid ‘thud’ and the car feels more solidly put together than some other SUVs.

Is New Jeep Compass spacious?

Things here are the same when compared to the previous Compass as the size of the car has not increased since this is a facelift. Hence the New Jeep Compass remains a 5-seater but the middle passenger will not have that much width. The Compass is slightly smaller than other SUVs at this price and the smaller rear door also makes egress and ingress less easy. The boot is big though.

What about the features list?

We have a lot to talk about here and it starts with the new 10.1-inch touchscreen available here on the S model. The touchscreen has the latest UConnect-5 infotainment system which replaces the old one. The new touchscreen is very slick and easy to use while the icons/layout is done neatly. The graphics are also excellent.

That is not all, as another big change from the tech point-of-view is the 10.25-inch fully digital display. There are also no less than 24 configurable screens which can be used via the button on the new steering wheel.

Next we move on to the connected car technology which debuts in the Compass and it gets over the air updates (OTA) while it can be synced via the Jeep life app. Hence you perform remote functions and also get to know driver analytics and location services like geo-fencing while addition safety features like stolen vehicle assist also comes handy.

The overall features list has also grown massively as along with regular highlights like steering controls (at the back of the steering, weirdly), you get features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, 8-way power-adjustable seats for both driver and the front passenger, panoramic sunroof, 9-speaker Alpine sound system with a subwoofer, power lift gate, cruise control and more.

Further on the safety equipment includes Automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, Electronic parking brake, Hill hold and hill descent control, SelecTerrain 4×4 system, Frequency Damped Suspension (FSD), Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Panic Brake Assist, Brake Lock Differential, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hydraulic Boost Compensation, Ready-alert Braking, Rainy Brake Support, etc.

How does Jeep Compass drive?

The Compass comes with both turbo petrol and diesel engines, while the petrol has both manual and auto; the 4×4 version is only for the diesel. Also, the diesel has a 9-speed automatic which is paired with the 4×4 system. We had the top-end S with the 9-speed auto and the diesel 4×4. The diesel Compass makes 170 bhp and 350Nm; the 9-speed automatic is also the choice for those who want the convenience of one. The diesel is slightly loud at low speeds and when you start it up while it settles down into a gentle cruise once up-to speeds.

The automatic is nicely suited for city work and while you do not get paddle shifters, the gearbox is reasonably responsive to not have the need for one. The engine is also quick and the mid-range especially has a nice build-up of power. The Compass can sit at big speeds all day and you can do long journeys with ease. In terms of ride and handling, the suspension is just fantastic and it glides over broken roads and potholes. It also feels stable at big speeds.

Is it good off-road?

Compared to rivals the Compass is easily better off-road and the ground clearance is also good enough for most off-road situations. It also gets the useful SelecTerrain 4×4 system which tunes the car for each kind of road surface like Sand or Mud.

Should you buy Jeep Compass?

The new Compass starts at a fairly attractive 16.9 lakh but the fully loaded 4×4 diesel automatic S model is Rs 28.2 lakh. This is a huge price jump and we guess the extra features are responsible for that. While Jeep Compass is now the best-equipped SUV, it is also the most expensive. However, the Compass is a premium 4×4 and is loaded with the luxury and features to rival a BMW X1 or any other German car, hence the Compass does seem value for money. If you can afford it, Compass is the SUV for you with all the luxury you need or want.

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