Jeep Compass Compared: Rivals and Trims
Shopping compact SUVs? The Jeep Compass stands out with all-wheel drive standard on every trim, a turbocharged engine, and an available off-road Trailhawk, often at a lower price than rivals once you add their all-wheel drive. Open a one-on-one comparison below, see how it stacks up, and walk through the trims.
Compass matchups, one on one
Already have a rival in mind? Each link opens a full side-by-side of the Compass against that specific SUV, spec for spec.
How the Compass measures up
| Model |
Starting MSRP |
Standard drive |
Engine |
Fuel economy (combined) |
| Jeep Compass |
About $30,990 |
All-wheel drive |
2.0L turbo (200 hp) |
Up to 26 mpg |
| Toyota RAV4 |
About $31,000 |
Front-wheel drive (AWD available) |
Hybrid standard (about 226 hp) |
Up to 39 mpg |
| Honda CR-V |
About $30,500 |
Front-wheel drive (AWD available) |
1.5L turbo (190 hp); hybrid available |
Up to 30 mpg (gas) |
| Hyundai Tucson |
About $29,000 |
Front-wheel drive (AWD available) |
2.5L (187 hp); hybrid available |
Up to 28 mpg |
| Mazda CX-5 |
About $30,000 |
All-wheel drive |
2.5L (187 hp) |
Up to 28 mpg |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
The Compass and Mazda CX-5 are the only two here with all-wheel drive standard on every trim, and the Compass adds a genuine off-road Trailhawk that none of these rivals match. The RAV4 and CR-V counter with hybrid efficiency, and the RAV4 is now hybrid-only for 2026 with much higher fuel economy. Open a head-to-head above for the full breakdown.
Worth knowing about the Compass
- The Compass and Mazda CX-5 are the only two here with all-wheel drive standard; the others charge extra for it.
- The Trailhawk gives the Compass real light-trail ability that the RAV4, CR-V, Tucson, and CX-5 do not match in standard form.
- The Compass starts around $30,990 with all-wheel drive included, which often undercuts rivals once their AWD is added.
Compass trim comparison
The Compass lines up from the value-focused Latitude to the off-road Trailhawk, with Limited comfort trims in between and all-wheel drive standard throughout.
| Trim |
Highlights |
Best for |
| Latitude / Latitude Altitude |
Standard all-wheel drive and the core features, Altitude adds blacked-out styling |
Value shoppers |
| Limited / Limited Altitude |
Leather, a larger touchscreen, and more driver-assist tech |
Comfort seekers |
| Trailhawk |
Skid plates, red tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a low-range mode |
Light off-road |
Compass comparison FAQ
What SUVs compete with the Jeep Compass?
The Compass is most cross-shopped with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5. We have a dedicated comparison for each; open the links above.
Does the Compass come standard with all-wheel drive?
Yes, on every trim. Among these rivals only the Mazda CX-5 also includes standard all-wheel drive; the RAV4, CR-V, and Tucson start front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive optional.
Is the Compass cheaper than the RAV4 and CR-V?
The Compass starts around $30,990, close to or below the RAV4 and CR-V, and it includes all-wheel drive at that price, which those two charge extra for.
Which compact SUV is best off-road?
The Compass Trailhawk is the most trail-capable here, with skid plates, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a low-range mode. Most rivals are on-road focused, though the RAV4 offers a rugged trim of its own.
Which is most fuel efficient?
The Toyota RAV4, now hybrid-only for 2026, leads on fuel economy, followed by the hybrid versions of the CR-V and Tucson. The Compass trades some efficiency for standard all-wheel drive and off-road ability.
Which Compass trim is best?
For most buyers Latitude delivers value with standard all-wheel drive, Limited adds comfort, and Trailhawk adds real off-road capability.
