Jeep Compass vs. Jeep Cherokee specs

1. Overview of Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee

Starting with an introduction of the Compass and the Cherokee is first necessary in order to understand where the two vehicles fit in the marketplace. The Compass was introduced in 2006 off of the Dodge Caliber platform. The platform is also shared with the Mitsubishi Lancer. The Compass is Jeep's version of a compact crossover, which was designed to fit below the Cherokee in the lineup. It is important to note that the Compass' 1st generation runs from 2007-2016, while the vehicles that we are comparing here are both in their 2nd generation. The 2nd generation Compass started production in 2017 and is based on an entirely new platform. Jeep's goals with the 2nd generation Compass are to be a more conventional vehicle that can be successful in the global market. Getting into the Cherokee, it was introduced for the 2014 model year. The Cherokee is a compact SUV and is positioned in between the Jeep Renegade and Cherokee in terms of size. The Cherokee was a very important vehicle for Jeep to replace the aging and boring Liberty. This is because the Liberty filled a gap in the marketplace for a medium-sized SUV that still has off-road capabilities, therefore the Cherokee had to be able to fulfill the same role. With the Cherokee being an important vehicle for Jeep, this mandated a more sophisticated off-road system and a more refined interior compared to the Compass. This will be important to consider when comparing the two vehicles.

2. Engine Specifications

The higher-spec Cherokee Limited ($44,000) and Trailhawk ($47,500) get the better and more sophisticated Active Drive II set-up, which includes an active drive lock 4x4 mode, and an additional rock mode for the Selec-Terrain system. These flagship 4x4 Cherokees also get a more sophisticated rear suspension that is capable of up to 2200kg of towing, where all other Compass and Cherokee models are limited to 750kg. As for engine specifications, the 2014 Compass is powered by a 2.0 or 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, matched with a standard CVT auto. The CVT is generally not a favorite of enthusiasts due to its rubbery feel, but it's a fuel-efficient set-up, with the 2.0-liter Compass using 8.1L/100km and the heavier 2.4-liter/s (including the refined Limited model) using 8.4L/100km. The Compass is a relatively light vehicle, weighing in from 1476kg-1589kg. Although not exactly renowned for its exceptional off-road capability, the Compass has been aimed at bringing a taste of Jeep to the more budget-conscious consumer and is a step above the average 'softroader'.

The Jeep Cherokee has come onto the on-road scene, and in many ways, it's a serious brother to the controversial Compass. You may be surprised to learn that, of the nine Compass and Cherokee models on sale in Australia, none are AWD manual versions; they are all autos. Why? The argument is that Compass and Cherokee buyers are willing to pay for the auto 'upgrade' and because there is limited demand for AWD/off-road models. In any case, the Compass and Cherokee are offered with Freedom Drive I and II, and Active Drive I and II full-time 4x4 systems depending on the model.

3. Interior Features and Technology

The interiors of both Jeep Compass and Cherokee reflect the historic design plus modern improvements. Jeep Compass features rugged and classic interior styling such as durable vinyl and cloth seat fabrics, soft touch I/P, and ambient interior lighting. Other convenient features include bright interior accents and liftgate light. Jeep Cherokee reflects a traditional Jeep design with an edge. The features include a Nappa leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seating, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with real wood accent. Other features include a dual-pane sunroof and a CommandView dual-pane sunroof. Jeep Compass provides a 6.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen to access phone navigation, and available SiriusXM Guardian that allows lock and unlock features plus finding a vehicle in a crowded parking lot. Cherokee features the Uconnect system which is user-friendly and adding phone capability and audio streaming plus available SiriusXM Radio, navigation, and Uconnect Access. Both systems feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. High-quality sound in Compass includes the available BeatsAudio Premium II Package. Cherokee competitively offers a new available state-of-the-art sound system, the Alpine High-Fidelity Sound System. Both models feature large instrument clusters making everyday legibility easier.

4. Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Both the Compass and Cherokee models are considered to be the safest models from Jeep. The Compass model has undergone safety testing for passenger safety in frontal and side impact crashes. These crash tests are conducted by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). This vehicle is equipped with advanced multistage front airbags, full side airbags, and available supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags. It also features four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability program, full-speed traction control, compact spare tire, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, active head restraints, and side curtain-type airbags, among other safety features. All of these features contribute to the high safety rating of the Compass model.

Jeep has positioned itself as a truly iconic model for the adventurous and liberty-minded person. It has made its mark in the automotive world with its unique and distinctive character. It has been introduced in various segments for both local and international customers. Its aim is to provide its consumers with a reliable and comfortable vehicle for both on-road and off-road travels. It has developed and offered a wide range of accessories and products to promote vehicle sales and online business. To maintain this image, the safety of the passengers and driver is the primary concern. Therefore, Jeep has equipped its vehicles with a variety of safety features and products.

5. Pricing and Conclusion

The price of the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass in Europe will be from €21,990 (RRP including all local taxes). Packed with a host of interesting features, the all-new Jeep Compass is not short on safety and security - an area where Jeep excels. It contains 9 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation and side curtain-style airbags that extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Many other safety and security features are also available, which makes Compass compete with some of their rivals one class higher. At launch, the Jeep Compass will be available with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 2008 Jeep Cherokee is significantly more expensive, starting at a base price of £21,795. This gives Jeep customers the option to travel to the compact SUV segment or stay among more upscale rivals. For just £805 more than the price of a Compass Sport 4x2, UK customers could be the proud driver of a Cherokee Sport 2.8 diesel. The price of a Jeep Cherokee can be deceiving, however, as many of the features customers may expect to come standard do not. This is an effective method of getting customers to pay more. Prices can escalate dramatically as features are added to a Jeep Cherokee. This is increasingly evident with the recommended Cherokee Limited 2.8 Diesel 4x4 Auto costing £31,805. This could greatly affect prospective Jeep drivers who would be quite content in a Compass Limited but find a similar Cherokee to exceed their budgets. With an expansive number of features and higher costs, Jeep owners may develop high expectations of their vehicle. This may ultimately lead to a trend in Jeep’s future models gaining progressively higher prices.