2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the more refined side of the Jeep brand, much like the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition trim upgrades available. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while the High Altitude upgrade for the Compass Limited with all-wheel drive was priced from $32,645. Our test vehicle, a 2020 Compass Limited with AWD and numerous options, totaled $39,755, including the destination charge.

Despite its upscale features, the Compass had its drawbacks. While it offered soft-touch surfaces, premium leather, and sophisticated technology, it also had low-rent glossy plastic pieces and flimsy-feeling parts that detracted from its overall appeal. Nevertheless, it was a significant improvement over the original Compass model, offering big discounts and appealing upgrades unusual in the small SUV segment.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was unmistakable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was enhanced by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top made it more of a recreational utility vehicle than a commuter car. Inside, the Wrangler had a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, emphasizing its rugged nature. Trims included Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, each offering varying levels of features and off-road capabilities.

The Wrangler Unlimited excelled in off-road performance, with features like locking front and rear differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar for uneven terrain. The new-for-2020 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine provided 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, making it better for both highway speeds and off-road adventures. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less impressive, with a rough ride, road noise, and unique blind spots. Despite these quirks, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities made it a standout choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2020 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite these figures, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and nearly non-existent passing power. Our test vehicle averaged 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts, while the automatic engine stop/start system could be deactivated for better efficiency.

On the road, the Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. The steering was heavy and vague, and the brake pedal was sensitive until acclimated. However, the Compass excelled in off-road conditions, especially in Trailhawk trim with added ground clearance, an Active Drive Low AWD system, and a Rock driving mode. Our Compass Limited test vehicle, with a simpler AWD system, handled a moderately difficult trail without issues, offering Automatic, Snow, Sand, and Mud driving modes.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's base engine was a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque was also available. The new-for-2020 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine delivered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent performance at both highway speeds and off-road conditions.

The diesel engine's torque made it ideal for off-road adventures, with features like locking front and rear differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar for uneven terrain. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less impressive, with a rough ride, road noise, and unique blind spots. The diesel engine returned fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, making it more efficient than the gas-powered versions. Despite its limitations, the diesel engine was a $4,000 option worth considering for those seeking off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver's settings. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, beating both the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Cherokee in volume. However, scant storage room inside the cabin and awkwardly positioned cupholders could cause aggravation.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was available in two basic forms: the standard two-door Wrangler and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. The four-door version was a sales success, with features like removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and a droppable and removable roof. The base soft top could retract partially or all the way, while the hardtops added more protection from the elements. The Sky One-Touch roof offered a retractable piece of cloth for easy operation.

With the top on and the rear bench lowered flat, the Wrangler Unlimited had about 72 cubic feet of cargo space, less than other SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Despite giving up comfort and cargo space, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities made it a unique choice for adventure seekers.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. The system also supported SiriusXM Guardian connected services, adding features like emergency calling, a vehicle finder, and remote engine starting. Our test vehicle included a navigation system and an Alpine premium audio system, delivering decent sound quality. Uconnect was intuitive and easy to use, though some features were embedded in menus that should have been more accessible.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims had a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available as an option on the Sport S via a Technology package. The Sahara and Rubicon could also be equipped with an 8.4-inch Uconnect system, adding navigation, HD Radio, real-time traffic and weather updates, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium audio system. This system produced tremendous sound even at highway speeds.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of safety features, with driving assistance and collision avoidance technology available on all trim levels. Our test vehicle included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting in traffic. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but received mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety equipment, including airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning. Our test model also had automatic high beams, enhancing safety in various driving conditions.