2020 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand, much like the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition trim upgrades available. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while a fully loaded Compass Limited with all-wheel drive and numerous options could reach $39,755. Despite its attractive design and upscale features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V had a familiar and fun design, with curvy, car-like lines and a family resemblance to Honda’s sedan lineup. Inside, the CR-V’s interior was a mix of textures and materials, with some upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in pricier models. However, these clashed with low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the expensive versions were upgrades of a commodity car. The base CR-V started at $26,270, with four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. All-wheel drive was a $1,500 option across all trims.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite these figures, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and nearly non-existent passing power. The test vehicle averaged 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts, while the automatic engine stop/start system compromised air conditioning performance on warm days. The Compass’s suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness, and the steering was heavy and vague. However, the Compass excelled in off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The turbo four-cylinder powertrain was well-matched to the CR-V, providing quick acceleration, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V’s road manners were excellent, with a car-like demeanor, nicely weighted steering, and nimble handling. The CR-V’s low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 30 mpg combined and AWD models at 29 mpg. The CR-V Hybrid offered even higher fuel economy for those seeking maximum efficiency.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver’s settings. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing reduced luggage room, and the cabin had limited storage space and awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in packaging, with a roomy cabin and excellent seating position for good visibility. The cargo compartment matched the Volkswagen Tiguan in volume, with a two-position load floor allowing for 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Clever storage solutions included a deep center console bin and large door pockets. The CR-V’s design made it easy to live with, accommodating various items and providing ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. The system was intuitive and easy to use, with primary stereo and climate controls separated from the display. Voice recognition worked well for most commands, though navigation required specific prompts. The test vehicle also had a navigation system and an Alpine premium audio system, delivering decent sound quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V’s infotainment system showed its age. The base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with limited features, while higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available with the larger screen. The CR-V Touring added a wireless phone charger for 2020, but overall, the infotainment system was less impressive than the Jeep’s Uconnect.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These features were optional and included in the Safety and Security Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but had mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing system as standard, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, with the Touring trim’s LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.