What's the Difference: Jeep Compass vs Jeep Cherokee

 
 

Jeep Compass vs Jeep Cherokee

Compact SUVs are popular options for Bellevue adventurers who are looking for a vehicle that can handle everything from going on a road trip to Olympic National Park to taking friends out to a Mariners game.

Two of the best crossovers on the market are the Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee. The Compass sits below the Cherokee in the Jeep lineup and is more value-focused and has better fuel economy. Each offers the option of four-wheel drive along with plenty of cargo capacity for all of life's adventures. You can also expect spacious front seats and rear seats, along with plenty of headroom and legroom in all seating positions.

The two models are quite different and the Cherokee is the better choice for off-road adventures, especially in the Cherokee Trailhawk® trim.

Let's dig in to find out which model is best for you and your family.

Jeep Compass vs Jeep Cherokee

Features Jeep Compass Jeep Cherokee
Fuel Economy 24 MPG City - 32 MPG Highway 20 MPG City - 29 MPG Highway
Engine
  • 2.0L Four-Cylinder
  • 3.2L V6
Drivetrain AWD 4WD
Cargo Space 27.20cu ft 25.8cu ft
Seating Capacity 5 5
Towing Capacity Up to 2,000lbs Up to 4,500lbs

What's the Difference: Jeep Compass vs Jeep Cherokee

Reliability and Quality

Both the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Compass score well for overall reliability and have high-quality, feature-rich interiors. The Jeep Compass scores 77/100 according to J.D. Power, while the Jeep Cherokee scores slightly better at 82/100.

For 2023, the Compass has an all-new interior that blends high design with features like a textured fabric mid-bolster dash, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and slim air vents for a sophisticated overall look. The available Sun and Sound Group includes a Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof and a 12-channel 506-watt amplifier with nine speakers and a booming eight-inch subwoofer for concert-level sound.

Cherokee models have a uniquely adventurous interior that's loaded with premium features like a Jeep Air Filtration System and optional Nappa leather seats that look great when paired with premium Piano Black trim.

Performance and Efficiency

New for 2023, all Jeep Compass models come standard with a 2.0-liter turbo engine with an awesome 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy estimates are 24 city / 32 highway MPG*. This punchy powertrain is hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across every single trim level. Towing capacity is a stout 2000 pounds**. For off-road enthusiasts, Jeep offers the 2023 Compass Trailhawk® 4X4, which includes Jeep Active Drive, Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System, a 20:1 crawl ratio, and low range for Trail Rated® capability.

The Cherokee Altitude Lux model comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and the Trailhawk® has a 2.0-liter I4 turbo engine with 270 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission comes standard across the lineup. Unlike previous years, all 2023 Cherokee models come with four-wheel drive as standard equipment, including an available Jeep Active Drive 4X4 system. Towing capacity is 4000 pounds**, which is plenty for a light trailer or boat. Fuel economy estimates are 20 city / 31 highway MPG* for the 2.0-liter engine.

Safety and Driving Assistance

Every Jeep Compass is designed with a high-strength steel body structure that maximizes crash protection and has a host of active driver safety features such as Active Lane Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection.

Jeep Cherokee also offers a ton of driving assistance tech such as Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, a ParkView® Rear backup camera, and even rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Infotainment and Technology

Front and center, you'll notice the latest Uconnect® 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen in the Jeep Compass. Packing features like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and a wireless charging pad means that technology aficionados will find much to love. There's also a beautiful 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster available.

The Cherokee is also loaded with smart technology like a Uconnect® 4C NAV system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and unique technology like Off-Road Pages, which can be a big help when you're out in the backcountry. There's even an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot so everyone on board can stay connected.

Shop Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee Near Bellevue, WA

AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Bellevue is your Jeep destination near Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, and Kirkland, Lynnwood, and Sammamish. We carry a large selection of new Jeep vehicles like the Compass, Cherokee, and Wrangler, along with the best used Jeep vehicles in the Bellevue area. From unique trims to special editions, we carry it all.

Once you're ready to purchase, our in-house financing center will help secure you a loan or lease payment that works with your budget. Have a trade-in? We can work the pricing right into the deal and handle all the paperwork for you.

When your new Jeep is ready for service, our world-class service center can help with everything from basic maintenance to installing accessories and more. AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Bellevue is ready to exceed your expectations.

*Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle. **Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up, and loaded properly, and that you have any necessary additional equipment. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment.