DecodedCars2016 Jeep Compass
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 175.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,098–3,261 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Jeep Compass is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,261 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 2% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Compass — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Compass →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Belvidere, Illinois
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 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 | 175.2 in | 71.3 in | 65 in | 103.5 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,261 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 175.2 in | 71.3 in | 65 in | 103.5 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 3,098 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 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 353 |
| Compass FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 347 |
| Compass FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 26 / 24 | -2% | $2,800 | 378 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +4% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -7% | $2,900 | 381 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -4% | $3,050 | 400 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 418 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 3★ / 3★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2016 Jeep Compass SUV 2WD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 3★ / 3★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Compass (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2016 Honda HR-V | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Dec 16, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V907000 · 42,231 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
- Risk
- If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
Not every 2016 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 135 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 61 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 44 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,000 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 2016 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 | 54 |
| 2023 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 49 |
| 2022 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 226 |
| 2021 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 143 |
| 2019 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 331 |
| 2018 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 947 |
| 2017 Compass | 26 | 175.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 229 |
| 2015 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 113 |
| 2014 Compass | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →