2021 Jeep Compass Engine & Performance

Mechanically the 2021 Jeep Compass carries forward the engines from the previous model. Options include a 2.0 litre Multijet diesel putting out 170 horsepower and 350 Nm torque mated to either a 6 speed manual or a 9 speed torque converter automatic, and a 1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol developing 163 horses and 250 Nm torque with a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed dual clutch automatic. The diesel automatic comes with 4×4 which is the test car you see in these pictures. The diesel has more than enough power and acceleration is very linear and smooth. Push it hard and it does tend to get noisy at higher revs. On the flip side, the motor feels silent at moderate and city speeds. Overall refinement could have been better though. The 9 speed automatic gearbox however dampens the driving experience a fair bit. It feels lazy and more so when trying to execute a downshift. It definitely needs to be tuned better. And there are no paddle shifters either.

2021 Jeep Compass Ride & Handling

The ride quality and handling has always been a virtue of the Compass and things are no different here. It just feels so at home on bad roads and only gets better as you pick up speed. It feels very composed around corners as well. There is no noticeable body roll and makes going around twisties a piece of cake. It is easily one the most fun to drive SUVs out there. And the fact that it feels heavy gives you lots of confidence as well. Also it is very easy to drive in the city and the steering is light. High speed stability on the highway is also excellent.

The Compass features Active Drive with the Selec-Terrain that comprises of off-road mods like Sand/Mud, Snow and Auto. You also get 4×4 low range and 4×4 lock as well. While most owners may not use the Compass to go off-roading, the SUV is true to its heritage and is very capable off the beaten path. While I did not try anything hardcore, I took the Compass over a moderately difficult trail that comprised of muddy terrain and sand and it sailed through without a hiccup. I can’t wait to take it on a tougher trail when I get the chance.