2016 Jeep Compass Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

A lot of criticism faced the 2015 Jeep Compass, especially in matters concerning handling and maneuverability. Nonetheless, the new 2016 Jeep Compass is scheduled to come out and critics can only hope that the manufacturer of the famous off-road Wrangler conceded their cries for improvement.

Competing beside it for 2016 is the Mazda CX-5, which is a fresh model from its predecessor that was released this year. At a glance, the 2016 Jeep Compass seems to be more affordable compared to the Mazda. However, what features does the reader have to forgo to drive an affordable compact jeep on the road, or is the Mazda a better off purchase?  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Jeep Compass - The Pros

1) Amazing Fuel Economy

This is one of the features that the 2015 Jeep Compass was praised for, which has been maintained in the new model. For EPA rating, it manages a remarkable mpg of 23/30 in City and Highway driving. This definitely makes one do with the 13.6 gallon fuel tank capacity that has been maintained from the 2015 model. Looking at the Mazda, it scores an EPA rating of 26 City and 35 Highway mpg—evidently more efficient. Nonetheless, the Jeep does find itself within the same range of fuel economy.

2) More Exterior Colors

One more color (external hue) has been added for the 2016 Jeep Compass model. Now the consumer will purchase the compact SUV in 9 different color options namely granite crystal, maximum steel, Eco Green, Deep Cherry Red, Black, True Blue, Billet Silver and Bright White.

3) A Hands-on kind of Car

The 2015 Jeep Compass was primarily delivered as a manual transmission SUV with the option of Automatic on request. For the driver who likes to be at the heart of it, flooring the clutch whilst shifting gears, they will love this new model. It still maintains a manual transmission gearbox with the option of automatic on request.

4) Great Engine Performance

The potential Jeep Compass 2016 owner would be delighted to learn that the new model packs more power compared to the Mazda. Under the Jeep Compass hood is a horsepower of 158 at 6400 rpm; compare this to the Mazda 155hp at 600rpm and the Mazda finds itself facing a new neighborhood bully. Though it’s half the power any driver gets on a Wrangler, it tears through off-road terrains stronger than the Mazda.

5) Spacious Interior

The interior space design has been maintained as well, so one still get to enjoy the extra storage space by folding the front and rear seats. This compliments the readily catered for 53.6 cubic feet storage that makes up the cargo space. The front driver and passenger spacing are also wide enough and comfortable for the tall person while the rear seats hold enough space for the average height person.

6) Adequate Entertainment Features

There are plenty of options to play music while taking a road trip out of town. The 2016 Jeep Compass comes with in-built AM-FM radio, MP3 player, CD player and an auxiliary audio input. Satellite radio is inclusive when venturing off to the wilderness and other features that can be provided on request includes an internal hard disk drive and CD changer.

7) Quite Safe on the Road

The Jeep Compass 2016 incorporates 4-Wheel ABS used in top-tier SUVs like Cadillac Escalade or GMC. This allows the driver to make precise stops on the road without unnecessary skidding from the car. Adding to that is a brake assist feature, electronic stability and traction control as well as child safety locks. As for airbags, there are plenty protecting the driver and passengers as well as the rear head and side head. The SUV sides also have air bag reinforcement for protection during collision.

8) Amazing Smooth Design

No doubts the 2016 Jeep Compass has a fresh exterior design compared to other SUVs, even top-tier ones like the 2016 Lincoln Navigator. It’s also the same design that was used in the 2015 Jeep compass with a major highlight on the front bumper that gave it a sleek look. For those who loved this design in the previous version, they will be happy seeing the same sleekness in the 2016 Compass.

9) Affordable Price Tag

The Jeep Compass 2016 definitely stands out as an ideal SUV for city and highway cruising, with a top tier body design to rival most. Jeep Compass 2016 only retails at $18,000 starting price. This is much lower compared to the Mazda CX-5 that starts off at $21,000. Given it is a competitive vehicle with more engine power, lots of consumer would appreciate the extra dollars saved.

10) More Compact

Putting the Jeep Compass and Mazda CX-5 side by side, the former appears smaller enough to fit into tight packing slots. The Jeeps measures 175.1 inches by 65 inches by 71.4 inches, compared to 178.7 inches by 65.7 inches by 72.4 inches for the Mazda. The Jeep Compass definitely is more ideal for the consumer looking for a smaller exterior but spacious interior in an SUV.

Reasons you may not want to buy a 2016 Jeep Compass - The Cons

1) Nothing Has Changed in terms of Drive Experience

The critics are bound to be more disappointed since nothing much changed in this new model. The same features have been maintained, meaning the same handling issues and maneuverability problems will be experienced.

2) Fewer Standard Features

Sadly enough, the 2016 Jeep Compass still doesn’t boasts of the top tier features most compact SUVs are spotting. Even the entry level Mazda CX-5 has more free features comparatively.

3) Same Disappointing Cargo Space

The same 53.6 cubic feet has been maintained as well, which many consumers complained is inadequate. The rear passenger space is quite small too and may bring discomforts to tall people sitting at the back. Perhaps consumers will still find comfort in the extra space gained from folding the back seats.

Conclusion

There is no newer experience on the 2016 Jeep Compass that wasn’t already felt in its predecessor. Nonetheless, it is a vehicle with great fuel economy and for that consumer who would want to purchase the same features but with a different exterior color.