DecodedCars2020 Jeep Compass
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD, 4dr SUV Trailhawk 4X4
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, 9-speed automatic, automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,184–3,633 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 20.6% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Jeep Compass is a small SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,327 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 2% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Compass — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Compass →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toluca, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Compass configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 66.9 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,327 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 66.9 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,184 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV Trailhawk 4X4 | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 66.9 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,633 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +2% | $2,600 | 339 |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 350 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +6% | $2,700 | 358 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +6% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Jeep Compass SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.6% |
| 2020 Jeep Compass SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.2% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Jeep Compass (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Apr 9, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V208000 · 425,599 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
- Risk
- Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
Not every 2020 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 79 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 65 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 29 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Compass. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Compass years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 29 |
| 2024 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 53 |
| 2023 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 49 |
| 2022 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 225 |
| 2021 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2019 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 331 |
| 2018 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 947 |
| 2017 Compass | 26 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 229 |
| 2016 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 293 |
| 2015 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 113 |
| 2014 Compass | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →