2012 Jeep Compass Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$19,295 to $26,045

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
2012 Jeep Compass Preview summaryImage

Fuel economy and cost efficiency are the hallmarks of the 2012 Jeep Compass, which remains virtually the same after some revisions during the previous model year's production run. As one of the least expensive compact SUVs on the market, the Compass finds itself competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Volkswagen Tiguan and holding steady due to its surprisingly adept handling in off-road conditions.

Six trims are available for the 2012 Jeep Compass: the Sport, Latitude and Limited are each available in a front-wheel drive and a 4-wheel drive (4WD) version. Sport and Latitude trims come equipped with a 158-hp 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that achieves 141 lb-ft of torque, while Limited trims get a 172-hp 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, also with VVT, that attains 165 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive standard, and a continuously variable transmission with manual shift mode is optional for Latitude and Limited trims. All Compass trims run on regular unleaded gasoline. The EPA estimates FWD Sport and Latitude trims get 23 mpg city/25 highway while all 4WD trims get 22/28. The FWD Limited gets 21/28. The towing capacity of the Sport trims maxes out at 1,000 pounds, while Latitude and Limited trims can haul up to 2,000 pounds.

Standard equipment for the Sport trims includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power exterior mirrors, power steering, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, premium cloth bucket seats, 60/40 split-folding backseat, deep tint sunscreen glass, power heated fold-away mirrors, rear window defroster and wiper, 4-speaker media center with AM/FM radio, CD player and WMA/MP3 jack, roof rails, halogen headlights and 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels equipped with all-season performance tires.

Buyers choosing the Latitude trim additionally receive as standard equipment a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, height-adjustable driver’s seat, front passenger fold-flat seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split reclining backseat, remote start system and a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet. Upgrading to the Limited trim adds air conditioning with automatic temperature control, leather-trimmed bucket seats, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustment, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, tire pressure monitoring system, media center with AM/FM radio, 6-CD/DVD changer and WMA/MP3 jack, Sirius XM satellite radio with 1-year trial subscription, HomeLink control, electronic vehicle information center and 18-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment.

Options available for the 2012 Jeep Compass include Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth HandsFree system, engine block heater, 9 Boston Acoustic speakers with subwoofer, 2 liftgate speakers, high beam daytime running lights, remote start, a navigation system, supplemental front seat-mounted airbags, a power sunroof and 18-inch aluminum or aluminum chrome-clad wheels.

For safety, the 2012 Jeep Compass comes standard with advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental side-curtain front and rear airbags, active head restraints, fog lamps, 4-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability control and hill start assist.

Interior color choices are Dark Slate Gray or Dark Slate Gray/Light Pebble Beige, while exterior color choices include Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Copperhead Pearl, Deep Cherry Red, Mineral Gray Metallic, Rescue Green Metallic and True Blue Pearl.

Owners of the 2012 Jeep Compass, while pleased with the compact SUV's off-road capabilities, lament about the loudness of the engine, especially when paired with the CVT during highway driving. Some mention how underpowered the Compass feels, especially when moving through city traffic. Cornering is about what you would expect in an SUV, with a small amount of body roll during tight turns.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Jeep Compass

Write a review
User rating:
by Charlene T
Aug 15, 2024
One of the best decisions Ive ever made. I Love my vehicle. Find the same for yourself on this App.Aug 15, 2024
by Barbara S
Apr 23, 2021
I bought this car new for $23,000, and expected it to be a good value, but it was not. The heat seat stopped working after a few years. When it rained, the passenger floor was always wet. The bumpers crack if you slightly bump into something. If you put the back windows down, the wind noise in the front seat area is not bearable.There is no back-up camera, or gps. Apr 23, 2021
by Colleen S
Apr 21, 2021
Love the jeep compass limited edition wish it had a sun roof but love it Apr 21, 2021

2012 Jeep Compass Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,295 to $26,045
Price range
$6,401 to $7,542
Average price on CG
$6,401
YoY price change
$6,737 to $6,401

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone: voice activated

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.12 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: 525 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: voice activated

Tires

Diameter: 17 · Profile: 65 · Type: touring · Width: 215

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 18 · 900 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone: voice activated

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 900 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.12 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 525 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: one-touch

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: voice activated

Tires

Diameter: 17 · Profile: 65 · Type: touring · Width: 215

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Width: 6.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.12

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 525 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor size: 6.5 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.12 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor size: 6.5 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Profile: 65 · Type: all season · Width: 215

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (6)