Jeep Cherokee vs. Jeep Compass

Looking for an all-around vehicle to fit your family's active outdoor lifestyle and need help making that all-important buying decision? Read on as we compare two solid choices from the well-known and trusted iconic American Jeep brand.

Now the latest versions of these two Jeep products compete in roughly the same size category, but they do their business differently. Both will confidently tick the right boxes depending on your real needs in a compact crossover SUV vehicle.

Overview

This last generation of Jeep Cherokee plays in the crossover SUV category. Over five generations, the Cherokee has evolved from being a full-size SUV into a mid-size crossover SUV. If you want to buy new, the sad news is that the Cherokee nameplate is no longer available. The last of these Cherokee vehicles rolled off the production line on the 28th of February, 2023.

The Jeep Cherokee is available in five trim levels, Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude LUX, Trailhawk, and Limited.

The Jeep Compass, however, continues in production, with the current second-generation making its debut in 2016. This second-generation Jeep Compass shares styling cues from its bigger siblings, the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

One of these styling elements taken from the Grand Cherokee is the headlamps integrated into the front grille and the narrow front grille finished in black. At the same time, the rear end of the Jeep Compass sees styling cues from the now-discontinued Jeep Cherokee.

The Compass trim levels are base Sport, Latitude, Limited, High Altitude, and the offroad-enhanced Trailhawk. Further to these trim options, the latest Compass also offers buyers a choice of three special editions and add-on packages: Altitude and High Altitude.
The 2023 Compass enjoys a solid pedigree, the inherent Jeep heritage, and some serious off-pavement capability to boot.

Powertrains

The Jeep Cherokee is fitted standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine fitted with an optional 3.2-liter V-6. At the top of the engine ratings list is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which happens to be 56 lb-ft more than the bigger V-6 engine.

The Cherokee has four drive systems, FWD, or one of three 4-wheel-drive systems. For those with more of a taste for off-road adventure, the Trailhawk trim is only available with the 3.2 V6 engine and 4WD. Other trims are available in either the FWD or 4WD configurations.

The Jeep Compass for 2023 has a standard all-wheel-drive system across all trims. A 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four does service on all Compass models mated with an eight-speed automatic.

As with the Cherokee, the Trailhawk trim further enhances the off-road experience with features such as the lower crawl gear to help tackle rocky trails and steep inclines.

Interior

Last updated for the 2021 model year, the Jeep Cherokee saw the addition of further standard comfort and convenience features on each trim level. Two new trim levels, the Latitude Lux and the related 80th Anniversary trim levels, were added.

The base model sees heated exterior mirrors and one-touch up/down front side windows as standard fare. The Trailhawk has a heated steering wheel and front seats added, plus a remote start feature.

The nice-to-own 80th Anniversary Edition Cherokee is based on the Latitude LUX trim. So it inherits the same standard features of which the leather seats featuring contrast stitching, power-adjustable front seats, larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, Granite Crystal 19-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof are some of the highlights.

The Jeep Compass, particularly the 2023 edition, is well-appointed with luxury features. Driver and passengers get pampered with the driver getting an eight-way power driver's seat with memory settings and heating and ventilation. The front passenger also gets heated and ventilated front seats.

The leather-trimmed steering wheel is heated, and dual-zone, automatic temperature control, keeps everyone comfortable in their all-around leather seats.

Cargo Space

The Jeep Cherokee offers 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. With the back seat folded, cargo space increases to 54.7 cubic feet. A power-operated liftgate is standard on the Limited trim and available on the Latitude LUX and Trailhawk as part of an option package.

Fitted with a rear 60/40 folding seat, the Jeep Compass offers a luggage capacity of 27.2 cubic feet, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Jeep Cherokee has the Uconnect infotainment system with a standard touchscreen measuring 7.0 inches and a larger 8.4-inch option.

On the Latitude Plus trim and up, every model sees two additional USB ports on the back of the center console rear-seat passengers use. All Cherokee trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot available.

On the Jeep Compass, the standard fitted touchscreen measures 8.4 inches, with a larger 10.1-inch unit an option. This unit also features natural voice recognition, navigation, integrated wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone.

Safety and Security

At the time of its last update, the Jeep Cherokee received significant upgrades to its safety offerings, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, full-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2013 Jeep Compass does not skimp on safety features either, and standard safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with active braking, and tire pressure monitors. To help with night driving, LED reflector headlights are also standard fitment.

Tims Truck

Head on down to Tim's Truck situated near Concord, NH, or visit us online to take a look at our comprehensive inventory of high-quality used trucks, plus a great assortment of other types of pre-owned vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, crossovers, Jeeps, and vans.

Our friendly, professional, and knowledgeable sales team looks forward to offering personalized, no-hassle advice and helping get you behind the wheel of the perfect vehicle to suit your specific needs and strict budget. Here at Tim's Truck, we take extra care to ensure that every customer drives off 100% satisfied with their purchase.

Pre-Owned Jeep Cherokee Inventory