You and your family lead an active lifestyle. You like spending time outdoors. As such, you’ll need a vehicle that can help you answer the call when adventure beckons near Columbus, Grove City, and Dublin OH and beyond. Sounds like you should consider the Subaru Crosstrek or the Jeep Compass.
The team at Germain Subaru of Columbus has crafted this comparison of the Crosstrek and the Compass to help you decide which one is better suited to join you on your next quest, either on or off the pavement. We know you’re eager to find out, so let’s go!
EPA-EST. FUEL ECONOMY
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
GROUND CLEARANCE
The Subaru Crosstrek and the Jeep Compass may be considered compact crossover SUVs, but they’re small in classification only. They’re ready to run with the big dogs, each bringing a punch of power and capabilities beyond their size.
Their drivetrains are similar yet unique. As a Jeep, the Compass equips part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) systems that can be engaged by the driver and are typically better suited to off-road terrain than on dry pavement. Meanwhile, all-wheel drive (AWD) in the Subaru Crosstrek is always active and can automatically adjust as needed. Plus, the Crosstrek’s Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides an infinite number of gears and a smoother driving experience compared to the 8-speed automatic transmission in the Compass.
Because at some point you may leave the asphalt behind, how do these two SUVs handle terrain once you head off the beaten path? The Subaru Crosstrek lives up to its name by providing standard Hill Descent Control and standard 8.7-inch ground clearance. On the other hand, Hill Descent Control is just an option with the Jeep, and its ground clearance falls a bit short at 8.1 inches.
You’ll also be able to tow quite a bit more in the Crosstrek with its 3,500-pound max towing capacity, whereas the Compass taps out at 2,000 pounds.
When you’re out exploring, whether navigating around town, cruising the open highway, or heading off-road, you want to keep the action going. The Jeep Compass provides an EPA-estimated 24 city/32 highway MPG, which is respectable. Aided by its CVT, though, the Subaru Crosstrek ups the ante with its EPA-estimated 27 city/34 highway MPG.*
The Crosstrek also makes sure you can travel farther, longer and keep the pump in your rearview. Its 16.6-gallon tank enables you to drive over 560 miles before stopping to refuel. The Compass has a smaller, 13.5-gallon tank, meaning you’ll have to pause the party and stop at the pump after just 430 miles.
While you’re out and about, exploring highways and byways, you’ll want to enjoy a comfortable in-cabin experience. Although they’re rough-and-ready vehicles, the Crosstrek and the Compass have spacious interiors that offer comfort and accommodating amenities for every mile ahead.
Both models have plenty of standard and available features that will help you and your passengers settle in and stretch out. That said, the Subaru Crosstrek provides standard dual-zone automatic climate control, which is an available option in the Jeep Compass.
Plus, only the Crosstrek offers durable StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, which will come in handy when mud or other debris gets dragged into the cabin after a day of hiking or biking on the trails.
Both SUVs have approximately 100 cubic feet of passenger volume. While their overall dimensions are similar, you and your copilot will have more room in the Crosstrek than in the Compass:
Whether traveling with a full vehicle or flying solo, you’ll want to remain informed, connected, and entertained to make every trip more enjoyable. Both SUVs have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ to access your playlists, podcasts, and apps through the central touchscreen. The Jeep starts out with a 10.1-inch display, and that’s as good as it gets. Meanwhile, the Subaru’s standard touchscreen is 11.6 inches on all but the Base trim.
Feel like belting out your favorite tunes? Car-aoke will sound even better in the Crosstrek. While the Compass offers nine speakers in its optional stereo system, it’s out-performed by the Crosstrek’s available 10-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system. Plus, it provides Clari-Fi® Technology that produces a crisp, clear, and more dynamic listening experience.
When you explore new destinations or head into the rough, it’s especially important that you and your crew are well protected. Fortunately, both SUVs equip a variety of features that help look out for everyone on board. Still, one model provides far more standard safety systems for extra peace of mind.
The Subaru Crosstrek brings standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology that serves as a vigilant copilot and can even take preventive action if necessary. Among its included safety systems are:
Meanwhile, the Jeep Compass provides fewer safety features as standard; so, if you want the same level of confidence that you’ll be ready if the unexpected happens, you’ll need to upgrade.
When it comes to automotive safety, there are two well-respected authorities: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). They put vehicles through a series of rigorous tests to determine a model’s crashworthiness and ability to avoid/mitigate collisions and then rate its safety based on those findings.
Both agencies have recognized the latest model year of the Subaru Crosstrek as being superior when it comes to safety. The NHTSA has awarded the Crosstrek with its 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, and the Crosstrek is also an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Jeep Compass.
While the Jeep Compass has a lot to offer drivers in Columbus, Grove City, and Dublin OH, the Subaru Crosstrek offers more when it comes to space, efficiency, tech, and safety. As a result, we think the Crosstrek is the better choice for both your weekday commutes and your weekend adventures.
Do you agree? Want to take the wheel to find out for yourself? Contact Germain Subaru of Columbus to schedule your test drive to begin your next adventure today!
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