Jeep Compass vs Nissan Rogue

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a mixed bag in terms of aesthetics and presence. The Compass Altitude, with its red two-tone paint and blacked-out trim, initially caught the eye, but the test vehicle turned out to be a more understated white Compass Sport. This model, with its black plastic door handles and small wheels, blended into the background, lacking the distinctive Jeep identity. The exterior design was generic, sharing similarities with other small crossovers like the Toyota RAV4. However, the interior of the Compass, especially in the Limited trim, impressed with its modern design and quality materials, a significant improvement from previous models. The base trim offered supportive cloth seats and a well-designed dashboard, though the exterior still lacked uniqueness.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Rogue, particularly in the Platinum trim, exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication. The Platinum model, with its semi-aniline leather seating, panoramic sunroof, and 10-speaker Bose audio system, offered a premium experience. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in capability provided a tech-savvy interface, enhancing the driving experience. The Rogue's exterior, finished in Champagne Silver Metallic with a sporty two-tone color combo, showcased a bold design with a blocky shape, large grille, and thin headlights. The Rogue's interior was spacious and well-appointed, with thoughtful storage solutions and a comfortable driving environment.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass offered improved performance over its predecessor. The vehicle's three driving modes and rear-axle disconnect contributed to optimized traction and fuel efficiency. However, the steering and handling were less impressive, with too much play off-center and low grip. The Compass Trailhawk variant offered additional off-road capabilities but came at a higher cost. Fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue, powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) offered smooth operation, and the optional all-wheel drive enhanced traction. While the Rogue's engine was one cylinder short of the norm, it managed to deliver a decent driving experience without excessive noise. The steering was light and accurate, and the braking system provided smooth pedal feel. The Rogue's fuel economy was competitive, though specific figures were not provided.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges and a large color display. The interior offered ample headroom and legroom, both in the front and rear seats. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The Compass also featured a foldable front passenger seat for carrying longer items. However, storage space in the central cubby and door pockets was limited.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue impressed with its well-designed interior, featuring quilted leather seating and upmarket trim pieces in the Platinum model. The cabin offered generous rear legroom of 38.5 inches and 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The Divide-and-Hide storage system added versatility to the cargo area. The Rogue's interior storage solutions were creative, with a compartment beneath the center console providing additional space for valuables.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and crisp interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB-C ports were standard, while factory navigation and a wireless charging pad were optional. The Elite Group package added a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, navigation, and other features. The semi-automated driving system, Active Driving Assist, was available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on lower trims, while upper trims featured a larger 12.3-inch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Google navigation was particularly useful, and the ProPilot system allowed for hands-free operation on pre-mapped roads. A wireless charging pad was also included, providing convenience for mobile devices.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and parking sensors were available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The 2024 model scored "Good" in most IIHS categories, with an "Acceptable" score for side impact. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display, ProPilot Assist, and a surround-view camera system.