DecodedCars2021 Jeep Compass
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 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
- automatic, 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,184–3,633 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
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 25 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 5% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Compass — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Compass →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toluca, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 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 | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 350 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 358 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.6% |
| 2021 Jeep Compass SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.2% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Compass (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Compass.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | ★★★★★ | 2 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →