Jeep Compass vs Cherokee: Which One Should You Choose?

Hello friends! Today, we are diving into a fun comparison of two fantastic SUVs from Jeep: the Jeep Compass vs Cherokee. If you’re interested in SUVs or thinking of getting one someday, this is for you! Whether you’re 15 or 50, knowing the differences between these cars can be super helpful, so let’s break it down in a simple way.

Jeep is known for making tough, reliable, and adventurous vehicles. Both the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee are part of this legacy. But how do you choose which one is right for you? Let’s find out by comparing them side by side in terms of style, size, features, performance, and, of course, price!

Jeep Compass vs Cherokee: The Size and Space

Let’s start with the size because it’s a big deal when choosing a car. Both the Compass and Cherokee are compact SUVs, but there are slight differences.

ModelLengthWidthHeightCargo Space
Jeep Compass173.4 in73.8 in64.6 in27.2 cu ft
Jeep Cherokee182.0 in73.2 in66.2 in25.8 cu ft

As you can see in the table above, the Jeep Cherokee is a bit longer and taller than the Jeep Compass, but the Compass is slightly wider. These numbers might not seem like much, but they can affect how spacious the car feels inside. For example, the Jeep Compass gives you a bit more width, which can make it feel roomier in the front seats.

However, when it comes to cargo space, the Compass actually has a bit more room for your bags and stuff behind the rear seats (27.2 cubic feet compared to the Cherokee’s 25.8 cubic feet). So, if you’re planning a road trip and need to pack a lot of things, the Compass might have a small advantage there.

Style and Exterior Looks: Which SUV Stands Out?

Let’s be real: how a car looks is important, right? You want something that looks cool when you’re driving down the road! So how do the Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee stack up?

  • The Jeep Compass has a sleek, modern design. It’s got sharp lines and a compact yet muscular look. It’s perfect for people who want a stylish SUV that looks great in the city but can also handle some rough terrain.
  • On the other hand, the Jeep Cherokee looks more rugged. It has a tougher, bolder appearance, with its classic Jeep grille and round headlights. The Cherokee is more about adventure, and you can tell just by looking at it.

In terms of colors and customization, both models give you a lot of options. You can choose anything from a clean white to a fierce red or even a unique green. But overall, if you like a more modern and sleek look, go for the Jeep Compass. If you prefer something rugged and outdoorsy, the Jeep Cherokee is your pick!

Interior and Features: Techy vs. Adventure-Ready

Now let’s talk about what’s inside because, honestly, the interior of a car can really make or break the experience. Here’s how these two SUVs compare:

Jeep Compass:

  • The Compass is packed with modern technology! It comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, and you can even upgrade to a bigger one. Plus, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your phone and use your apps.
  • The seats in the Compass are super comfy and available in leather if you like that extra bit of luxury. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also available, which can be amazing in the winter.
  • The design inside is clean and modern, with a mix of high-quality materials that make it feel like you’re driving something expensive.

Jeep Cherokee:

  • The Cherokee is also well-equipped but feels a bit more adventure-ready. It has an available 8.4-inch touchscreen too, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Inside, the Cherokee feels durable and practical. It has options for leather seats and heated features too, but the overall design is more focused on being rugged and capable for off-road adventures.
  • If you like to go camping or hiking, the Cherokee’s interior can handle your gear and is easier to clean after muddy trips!

So, when it comes to interiors, the Jeep Compass is more for people who want a modern, tech-focused car, while the Jeep Cherokee leans more towards those who want an interior that’s ready for adventure!

Performance and Engines: Power and Off-Road Capabilities

This is where things get really exciting! Both the Compass and Cherokee have different engine options and are designed to handle different types of driving.

Jeep Compass Engines:

  • The Jeep Compass comes with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 177 horsepower. This engine is great for city driving and light off-road use.
  • The Compass is available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which makes it versatile for different road conditions. It’s not meant for heavy-duty off-roading, but it can handle some light trails with ease!

Jeep Cherokee Engines:

  • The Jeep Cherokee offers more engine choices! The base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, just like the Compass, but it also has a 3.2-liter V6 engine that delivers 271 horsepower. If you want more power, this engine is awesome!
  • There’s also a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine option for the Cherokee, which produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
  • The Cherokee has better off-road capability than the Compass. If you choose the Trailhawk model, you get Jeep’s legendary 4×4 system that can tackle rough terrain, mud, and snow like a pro!

In short, the Jeep Compass is great for everyday driving with some light off-roading. But if you need something with more power and true off-road skills, the Jeep Cherokee is the winner here!

Safety Features: Stay Secure and Confident

Safety is a top priority for everyone, and both the Compass and Cherokee come with excellent safety features. Let’s see what they offer:

Jeep Compass Safety:

  • The Jeep Compass comes with standard features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
  • You can also get features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control if you want extra protection while driving.

Jeep Cherokee Safety:

  • The Jeep Cherokee has very similar safety features to the Compass, including lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
  • The Cherokee also offers more advanced off-road safety features like hill descent control and Selec-Terrain, which helps the car adjust to different road conditions automatically!

Both SUVs are super safe, but if you want more off-road-specific safety features, the Cherokee is a bit better. For regular city or highway driving, the Compass is just as safe!

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

Let’s talk about money because that’s always important when choosing a car! Here’s how the Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee compare in terms of price:

Jeep Compass:

  • The Jeep Compass starts at around $28,000 for the base model. If you want to add more features or get a higher trim, the price can go up to about $35,000.
  • The Compass offers a lot of great features for the price, making it a really good value SUV for those who want a stylish and capable vehicle without breaking the bank.

Jeep Cherokee:

  • The Jeep Cherokee starts a bit higher, around $33,000 for the base model. If you go for the top trims with more off-road capability and luxury features, it can go up to $42,000 or more.
  • While the Cherokee costs more, you’re paying for extra power and better off-road capabilities. If you need an SUV that can do more than just city driving, the Cherokee’s price might be worth it for you.

So, if budget is a big concern and you don’t need serious off-roading, the Jeep Compass is a better choice. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra power and adventure, the Jeep Cherokee is definitely worth the price.

Jeep Compass vs Cherokee: Which One Should You Choose?

Now for the big question: Jeep Compass vs Cherokee – which one should you pick?

If you want a compact SUV that’s perfect for city driving, offers great technology, has a stylish design, and is reasonably priced, the Jeep Compass is the way to go. It’s modern, practical, and offers everything you need for day-to-day adventures. Plus, it has enough off-road capability to handle a fun weekend trip in the mountains!

But if you’re looking for more power, better off-road performance, and a rugged, adventure-ready SUV, then the Jeep Cherokee is your best bet. The Cherokee is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and off-roading. Yes, it’s a bit pricier, but for the extra power and features, it’s worth it.

In the end, both the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee are amazing SUVs with their own unique strengths. It really comes down to what YOU need. If you’re focused on style, technology, and price, go for the Jeep Compass. If you need more power and adventure-readiness, the Jeep Cherokee will be your best friend.

Author

  • Alex Harper is a seasoned Product Analyst with over eight years of experience in researching and comparing consumer products across various categories. Specializing in home appliances, electronics, beauty and automotive, Alex dives deep into product specifications, user feedback, and industry trends to provide readers with honest and comprehensive reviews. When not exploring the latest gadgets, Alex enjoys attending trade shows and testing new technology firsthand.

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