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a black 2020 jeep compass trailhawk off roading on a trail

Which 2020 Jeep Compass Is Right for You?

The Jeep Compass is another compact crossover SUV offering from Jeep. As the second smallest vehicle in the automaker's lineup, it sits just below the Cherokee (which is a foot longer) and above the Renegade (which is half a foot shorter). This is the 4th year of the second-generation design for the Compass, but it still remains as fresh as ever.

The gently raking roofline and the available two-tone body paint schemes give this small SUV a boldly aggressive and sporty look. It, therefore, hits right at the Millennial market with an affordable price, city-scale dimensions, and attractive design. There's even talk of a plug-in hybrid version of the 2020 Jeep Compass. While Europe is definitely getting the model, decisions are still pending for the American market. As of now, here are the 7 trim models from which buyers can choose.

Sport

The 2020 Jeep Compass Sport is the base trim with a starting MSRP of $22,105 for FWD and $23,605 for the 4x4 powertrain. It comes with a standard 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir I4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. This trim's wheels are the smallest at 16 inches in black styled steel. Inside the cabin, the infotainment center sports a 7-inch touchscreen and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. There's also a rear back-up camera.

Further features include dual-zone automatic temperature control, remote keyless entry, and heated exterior mirrors.

Latitude

The 2020 Jeep Compass Latitude has more features that everyday buyers would want. The FWD powertrain starts at $25,355 while the 4x4 is also listed at the same price on Jeep's website. We tend to think that might be a mistake when updating their website to the new model year, however. Expect the 4x4 to be closer to 26,855. All other 4x4 trims cost a $1,500 premium over their FWD counterparts.

Upgrades from the previous trim include 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels and deep-tinted privacy glass on the rear windows. The Compass Latitude also has fog lamps and cornering lamps, as well as body-color power heated exterior mirrors. Drivers will appreciate the leather-wrapped steering wheel, inside, and the passive entry/keyless "Enter 'n Go" system.

Sun & Wheel

The 2020 Jeep Compass Sun & Wheel only comes with a FWD powertrain starting at $26,250. A 4x4 is not an option at this trim level. As its name suggests, the Compass Sun & Wheel has a focus on letting light into the cabin. It does so by coming standard with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a power front and a fixed rear. The 147-inch wheels that it comes with are polished aluminum with granite painted pockets.

This model also only comes in five exterior colors, and Black/Ski Grey color scheme is the only interior option.

Altitude

The next trim is the 2020 Jeep Compass Altitude. Starting at $26,775 for FWD, the Compass Altitude rides atop larger 18-inch black aluminum wheels. It also has dual bright exhaust tips and is the first trim to offer two-tone styling standard with a paired gloss black roof. In addition, this trim has gloss black exterior accents and piano black interior accents with black interior stitching. Also on the inside, the seats are a premium black cloth and vinyl combination.

A 4x4 powertrain starts at $28,275.

Limited

The 2020 Jeep Compass Limited starts at $28,405 for FWD, and it's the trim that we suggest is the best bang-for-your-buck. Although, having said that, there are many other competitors in the compact crossover class that offer the same number of standard features at a lower price point. So be sure and check out the competition if you're truly looking for a good deal.

The Compass Limited is part of the Two-Tone Paint Group, which gives it a distinctive design on the road. It also has 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with tech gray painted pockets and all-season tires. The heated exterior mirrors come with side repeaters. Speaking of heating, the now-leather-trimmed front seats are heated, as is the steering wheel.

Buyers will appreciate the eight-way power driver seat and the larger 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. There is even a windshield wiper de-icer for drivers in cold weather. There is also a 4x4 powertrain version beginning at $29,905.

Trailhawk

The 2020 Jeep Compass Trailhawk has a higher starting price than the Compass Limited (MSRP $29,675), but that's because it is only available in a 4x4 powertrain format. Having said that, it does have some features that may seem to be a step down from the less expensive Compass Limited. But where the Compass Limited was focused on convenience features, the Compass Trailhawk is geared toward all-terrain driving.

It comes with smaller 17-inch polish aluminum alloy wheels, but on the wheels are All-Terrain Falken tires. The seats are cloth with leather trim, unlike the previous trim, but the low-maintenance nature of these seats may be more appealing to off-road enthusiasts then full leather. As is typical on Trailhawk trims, a black decal sits on the center of the hood. Additionally, the Compass Trailhawk has a specially-tuned off-road suspension and a Selec-Terrain System. The transmission is protected by a skid plate and there are distinctive red tow hooks on the front of the vehicle.

High Altitude

The 2020 Jeep Compass High Altitude is the top-of-the-line trim that starts at $30,400 for a FWD powertrain. The Compass High Altitude is distinctive even from the outside. It has bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps with LED Signature Strip and LED taillamps. It also has a black roof and Granite exterior accents with 19-inch Satin Granite aluminum wheels. There are even more black accents with dual black exhaust tips and, on the interior, black styling accented by Tungsten stitching. Even the sound system is upgraded to an Alpine Premium Sound System.

A 4x4 powertrain model will set buyers back at least $31,900.

(featured image via Facebook)

Last Updated: September 30, 2019