2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the 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 premium features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was designed to appeal to crossover enthusiasts by imbuing the Impreza hatchback with rugged looks, standard all-wheel drive, and a taller ride height. The Crosstrek featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It rode on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with other Subaru models, providing a greater level of polish and refinement. The interior was functional but somewhat plain, with the Sport trim level featuring clashing color accents and cheap-looking simulated carbon-fiber trim. However, the water-repellant StarTex upholstery was a practical addition for outdoor adventures.

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. The 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. 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. However, the Compass excelled in off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim, with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

For 2021, the Subaru Crosstrek offered a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine on the Sport and Limited trim levels, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four, making 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while the Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only. All trim levels featured standard AWD with torque vectoring and X-Mode for loose surfaces. The Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with increased body roll due to the higher center of gravity, but it offered a comfortable ride and low wind noise. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration, though the CVT's droning was noticeable.

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. 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. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing reduced luggage room. Interior storage was limited, with awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek provided the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Crosstrek was competitive in passenger space but lagged behind some rivals in cargo space. CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. The front had a handy cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, but rear-seat passengers had no USB ports. Storage space was minimal, with decent-sized bottle holders in the doors. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was good.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. It also supported SiriusXM Guardian connected services, navigation, and an Alpine premium audio system. Uconnect was intuitive and easy to use, though some features were embedded in menus. The voice recognition system worked well, and drivers could adjust stereo and climate controls using voice commands.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a single-disc CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on lower trims. Subaru also included a second screen above the main touchscreen for additional information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, and the Crosstrek had large analog knobs and buttons for audio and climate control. The steering wheel had chunky buttons for EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered optional driving assistance and collision avoidance technology, including adaptive cruise control, 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 overreactions and insistent corrective actions. The Compass earned Good ratings in IIHS crash tests, except for headlight performance, and mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021, earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award with the highest ratings in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. EyeSight driver-assist features were standard on CVT-equipped models, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Limited trim added automatic high beams, reverse automatic braking, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Subaru's adaptive cruise control worked well but had limitations in curves. EyeSight's cameras were protected but could be blocked by wipers or direct sunlight.