2020 Jeep Compass vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent significant styling changes aimed at distancing it from its polarizing predecessors. Rumored to originally be a Fiat design, the previous Cherokee model had unconventional looks, with the front end featuring isolated daytime running lights above headlights that resembled fog lights. This setup was swapped out in 2019 for a more conventional headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration, giving the Cherokee a more universally appealing front-end design. Even the rear end saw improvements, moving the license plate frame to the center of the rear hatch and thereby adopting a more conventional SUV look.

Inside, the cabin design was carried over from previous years with minimal changes. The dashboard offered a layout similar to that of a downsized Grand Cherokee, featuring a logical arrangement of controls and numerous storage solutions. Trim levels ranged from Latitude to Trailhawk Elite, with even the base Latitude offering modern conveniences like a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features such as leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen on the Limited and Overland trims.

The Trailhawk trim was specifically designed for off-road enthusiasts, highlighted by dark wheels, black accents, and unique color options like Hydro Blue, which provided an aggressive look well-suited for rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Compass was designed to reflect the more refined side of the Jeep brand, similar to the Grand Cherokee, while offering upscale styling options. It came in four main trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with an array of additional packages and special editions. The Compass started at a lower base price of $22,280, but could easily reach up to $39,755 with all available options.

Despite its pricing, the Compass tried to justify its cost with premium features such as soft-touch surfaces, high-grade leather, and high-tech options like a panoramic sunroof and premium sound system. However, the Compass also suffered from occasional noticeable cost-cutting measures like glossy plastic pieces and flimsy-feeling parts, making it a mixed bag in terms of interior quality.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines starting with a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. This engine came standard on lower trims like Latitude and Latitude Plus, as well as on the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version of the Limited. More powerful options included a 3.2-liter V6 making 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, standard on higher trims like the 4-wheel-drive (4WD) Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk.

New for 2019 was a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and a robust 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with the standard 9-speed automatic transmission, offered solid acceleration but could be quite noisy at high speeds.

The Cherokee’s various 4-wheel-drive systems added to its versatility. The Active Drive I was similar to all-wheel drive (AWD) systems on rival crossovers. Active Drive II included low-range capability for more demanding conditions, while the Trailhawk-exclusive Active Drive Lock offered a locking rear differential for serious off-road adventures. Depending on the drivetrain configuration, the Cherokee could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 and up to 4,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

In terms of fuel economy, the most efficient variant was the FWD turbo engine, returning 23 miles per gallon city, 31 highway, and 26 combined. The Trailhawk, known for its off-road prowess, had the least efficient figures at 18 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured a single 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, nicknamed the Tigershark. Generating 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, the engine was plagued by sluggish acceleration and excessive noise. The nine-speed automatic transmission often resulted in harsh shifting and resistance to downshifts, further detracting from the driving experience.

The off-road capabilities of the Compass, particularly in Trailhawk trim with its higher ground clearance and Active Drive Low AWD system, were notable. However, the Limited trim, while offering simpler AWD and a range of terrain management options, fell short in providing engaging on-road performance. The Compass delivered an average fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, less than its EPA rating of 25 mpg.

Inside, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee was designed with practicality in mind, featuring controls designed for ease of use while driving. The vehicle included convenient storage spaces within the driver's reach, such as door pockets, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console.

New for 2019 was an optional hands-free power liftgate, which was helpful but sometimes unreliable. Despite efforts to improve cargo space, the Cherokee offered a rather modest 25 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up, expanding to 54 cubic feet with them down—figures that lagged behind competitors like the Honda CR-V.

The 2020 Jeep Compass, especially with the new Luxury Seat Group option, impressed with its upscale features like ventilated front seats and a memory function for the driver’s settings. The rear seats were roomy and included passenger amenities like air-conditioning vents, a USB port, and a power outlet. The Compass also led its segment in cargo capacity, offering 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded down, surpassing both the Renegade and the Cherokee. Interior storage, however, was limited, and poorly placed cupholders added to the inconvenience.

For technology, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee came well-equipped with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen standard on base trims, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch screen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and benefited from the latest Uconnect updates, which included features like crisper graphics, improved responsiveness, and customizable menus. The system's user-friendly interface set the standard for infotainment systems in its class.

The 2020 Jeep Compass also boasted an impressive Uconnect infotainment system, available with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and similar connectivity features. Our test vehicle included extra-cost options like SiriusXM Guardian, a premium Alpine audio system, and integrated navigation. While intuitive and visually appealing, some crucial features like heated seat controls were buried in menus, detracting from the user experience. However, voice recognition capabilities and separated physical controls for stereo and climate functions were highlights of the system.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including multiple airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and trailer-sway control. Additional safety and driver-assistance technologies were available in optional packages, adding features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward-collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

In crash tests, the 2020 Compass received favorable ratings from the IIHS, except for headlight performance. In contrast, NHTSA gave the Compass a mix of ratings, ranging from three to five stars.