Jeep Compass vs. Cherokee Size

1. Introduction

1.2. Metrics to be compared between two vehicles This case will contain metrics of size dimensions including legroom, shoulder room, headroom, cargo volume, and ground clearance. Comparison will take place by first showing Compass dimensions, then showing Cherokee dimensions and will conclude with which vehicle has the advantage on size for that specific category. Reasonable judgment will be given after each metric is shown to tell which vehicle takes the torch for overall size dimensions.

1. The Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee are both good compact SUVs. The smaller, less expensive Compass might have you thinking it's not a bona fide Jeep, but be assured, it is. And the Cherokee, while smaller than the Grand Cherokee, has enough off-road ability to make up for its on-road ride. Both the Compass and Cherokee have a similar style and feel to them but they are two different size classes. The Compass has a boxy, more traditional SUV look, where the Cherokee has more of a modern, sleek, crossover look to it. Regarding the size, the Compass is smaller in length, width, and height compared to the larger Cherokee. Keep reading to find out more specifics on size dimensions between these two vehicles.

1.1. Overview of Jeep Compass and Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee's aerodynamic exterior design has a length of 4670mm, a width of 1858mm, a height of 1789mm, a wheelbase of 2768mm, and a front and rear track width of 1570mm. Cherokee also offers vast exterior features such as power multi-function foldaway mirrors, the Mopar chrome edition group, roof rails with crossbars, deep tint sunscreen glass, a power liftgate, and 17" all-season tires.

Jeep Compass has a length of 4398mm, a wheelbase of 2636mm, a width of 1819mm, and a height of 1657mm. Some of the external features of the Jeep Compass are power multi-function foldaway mirrors, a power sunroof, Mopar chrome mirror covers, a roof rack with crossbars, front fog lamps, and a rear 60/40 folding seat.

Jeep Compass and Cherokee are both off-road capable and trail rated small SUVs offering comfort and convenience for customers. Both these vehicles are well accepted in the Australian market. Compass is the most value for money compact SUV, while Jeep Cherokee sets the standard with remarkable performance, sophisticated design, and an abundance of standard and available innovative features.

2. Size Comparison

Exterior dimensions for any vehicle are important when deciding what vehicle will do the job when used off-road. It is also important for a snug fit when going down tight trails. Further to previous reviews and discussions with some Jeep owners, the Jeep Cherokee is approximately 187.5 inches in length, 84 inches wide, and 78 inches high. A Jeep Compass is approximately 173 inches in length, 71 inches wide, and 65 inches high. As you can see, the Compass is clearly the winner out of the two in this category. The smaller and more compact the vehicle is, the better it will be when used for off-road activities. It will also provide a more comfortable vehicle to get through tight tracks and trees when off-roading. This may not be the case for everyone, as some may want the extra space available in the Cherokee to provide comfort and space when venturing out with friends, pets, or camping trips. In addition to carrying out the same off-road tasks when tackling activities such as rock climbing and mud bogging, it may be less of a worry by choosing the Compass, as the vehicle dimensions are more suitable to the smaller vehicle and the Compass isn't called a "mini-Grand Cherokee" for no reason. If you are worried about getting the job done with a smaller vehicle, it may save you bigger repair bills and heartache of damaging a bigger, more expensive vehicle. The Compass has won in this category with the hands-down result.

2.1. Exterior Dimensions

Exterior dimensions determine a vehicle's maneuverability and parking ease. The smaller Compass is 12 inches shorter and about 5 inches narrower than the Cherokee. Wheelbase is almost 4 inches shorter for Compass, which affects ride and interior space. The Cherokee is 4 inches taller, which may influence getting in and out of the car, perception of visibility, and handling clearance. Both Jeeps allow 4x4 rides with ground clearance and have similar ground clearance specs that are off by a few tenths of an inch. Subtle differences in body sizes mean that both Compass and Cherokee may have difficulty squeezing into tight spots or trails. Height is less of a concern, but width and length may be limiting factors. Always make sure to measure by comparing actual figures when determining if a vehicle will fit in a specific area.

2.2. Interior Space

Jeep Patriot/Jeep Compass vs. Jeep Cherokee interior dimensions This is where most people notice that the Compass and Cherokee are very different vehicles. We found several numbers that differ from the 2016 Jeep Patriot, but the official 2017 Jeep Compass info sheet we were given was a carryover from 2016 and much information was still listed under the old name. The older Jeep Compass has interior specs that might be slightly different we were given, but we will list off unfortunately for the previous model.

Roughly, the Jeep Compass vs. Cherokee battle has been fought through dimensions. Which car is bigger? While most people agree that the Grand Cherokee and Patriot/Compass are in different classes, the similarities between the Compass and Cherokee are free to debate. When trying to decide between the two, many Jeep shoppers ask how much difference is there, is it a real significant difference?

2.3. Cargo Capacity

While the Compass and Cherokee are similar in the aspect that they are both derived from car platforms, the same cannot be said about their cargo capacity. The Compass' rear hatch reveals a surprising amount of space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a substantial 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Dropping the front passenger seat and rear seats provides enough space to store a 10-foot-long item. The Cherokee is slightly more equipped in the cargo sector. It provides 24.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a total of 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Cherokee's cargo capacity remains low when compared to other SUVs in its segment and the 10-foot-long floor space is a nifty party trick, but its sheer length will prove to be impractical for most users. The extra two cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats is pretty negligible too.

3. Performance and Handling

The two vehicles exhibit similar performance, an observation reflected by back-to-back drives of each during the press launch. Which is to say both vehicles have adequate power but neither has an overabundance of punch. The Compass is motivated by a 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine or an optional 172-horsepower "World Engine." Suffice to say, there is no massive smile factor generated here. The Cherokee uses get up and go, 210-horsepower V6 engine to meet the adequate power threshold, although in its case it truly is the "adequate" amount of power. Both utilize independent front and rear suspension. The difference here is that Jeep PR is quick to point out that the Compass employs a four-wheel independent suspension, while the Cherokee has an "indispensable" suspension featuring "Jeep Trail Rated capability." Translation? The Cherokee has the capability to do things a Compass cannot. Step in entry level two-wheel-drive Cherokees feature a braking system that transfers torque to the tire with the most traction due to its open differential. This translates to better on-road traction during severe weather conditions, a feature an attribute to any Compass owner. With the four-wheel-drive Cherokees you'll get Jeep's well-regarded "Command Trac" part-time four-wheel drive system, full-time "Selec-Trac" or the "Freedom Drive 1" full-time active four-wheel drive system in a Compass-esque on-road/off-road system. At the end of the day, the Compass will perform adequately in a variety of situations but the Cherokee has the clear edge in off-road and severe weather capabilities. The show will likely be a different story when the Jeep brand new compact SUV is released later. Using information learned from highly satisfied customers and adding our own little bit of one-tooth less than optimistic skepticism, it seems Fiat Chrysler has more in mind than just a simple "update" or minor revamp for the first generation Compass. Remember Jeep enthusiasts and first-generation Compass owners before you trade in. Wait for it and cross-shop vigorously.

3.1. Engine Options

The engine options under the bonnets of the 2010 Jeep Compass and the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee couldn't be more different. The lowest price version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 210-HP. This model is the base trim level for the Compass. The mid-range engine is a 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8 engine which outputs a healthy 305-HP; this is available for the lowest price version of the Grand Cherokee and the more expensive Limited model. The top of the range engine for the Grand Cherokee is the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI which produces 357-HP and features MDS which increases fuel economy during cruising by deactivating four cylinders. Finally, the performance-oriented SRT8 model comes with the 6.1-liter V8 HEMI that pumps out a very impressive 420-HP. The Jeep Compass, on the other hand, offers a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT 4-Cylinder Engine which comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. This is also the only engine available in the Jeep Compass. The differences between these engine choices reflect the target audience of each vehicle with the more budget-conscious Compass appealing to those downsizing from the SUV segment and the Grand Cherokee providing a rugged 4x4 option for more traditional Jeep buyers.

3.2. Fuel Efficiency

The Cherokee is fitted with a 3.7L V6 as standard on Sport and Limited models. This engine is also an option available on the base model Laredo Grand Cherokee. In the Cherokee, this engine puts out slightly more power and torque than in the Grand Cherokee application. While the difference might not be significant, it could be a better option to have a smaller car with a less powerful engine to achieve similar performance. With this engine, the Cherokee has a fuel consumption rating of 12L/100km in the city and 8L/100km on the highway. This proved a little more thirsty than Jeep had hoped for, and for that reason, an alternative is available on the Cherokee Limited. Limited models have the option of a Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine developing an impressive 510Nm of torque. This engine provides great performance, which will be discussed later, and consumes fuel at a rate of 10.5L/100km in the city and 8L/100km on the highway. Diesel fuel economy and lower engine torque still give diesel a far greater range over the 3.7L V6 petrol engine. With the same 19L fuel tank, diesel is capable of over 200km more driving. That said, it still adds to a much greater running cost over the initial purchase of the vehicle.

The Compass is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder "World Engine" that has been co-developed by DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. This engine is the only option available and is one area where the Compass' fuel economy may suffer a little. The 4WD version has a fuel consumption rating of approximately 10.5L/100km in the city and 8.5L/100km on the highway.

Fuel economy is an important factor for many car buyers, and seeing the cost of fuel doesn't seem to be going down anytime soon, it's definitely something you want to think about. Small cars have always been good on fuel, but with advances in technology, many larger cars are becoming increasingly efficient. As such, the number of potential buyers who might have previously chosen a small car for fuel efficiency reasons is likely to decrease. That said, both of these cars should probably be near the top of the list for someone seeking good fuel economy and function from a vehicle.

3.3. Handling and Maneuverability

The Jeep Compass offers a tighter turning radius and improved body roll and overall better maneuverability than the Jeep Compass. The smaller size of the Jeep Cherokee allows for a tighter turning radius and ease of use in parking and low-speed maneuvering. The size and build allow for less body roll and a less top-heavy feel when compared to the Jeep Compass. The 14-inch smaller length and 500-pound lighter build make the Jeep Cherokee a more agile and nimble drive, and better handling overall. The turning diameter of the Jeep Cherokee is 18.75 feet, which rivals the maneuverability of smaller sedans and wagons. The compact SUV handles and maneuvers like a car and is not sluggish in acceleration at all speeds. This is a category where the Jeep Cherokee excels compared to the Jeep Compass and most other compact SUVs.

The dimensions and build of the Jeep Compass make it a wide turning and less agile vehicle, making the Compass less adept in the handling and maneuverability category. Weighing in at over 3,300 pounds, it is 14 inches longer than its cousin, the Jeep Cherokee. This larger build makes the vehicle feel top-heavy and results in more body roll than the average consumer would like. Although the acceleration is good at lower speeds, driving at highway speeds yields loud engine noise and still subpar acceleration. The turning diameter is 35.6 feet, which is actually quite large for a compact SUV and can be an inconvenience when parking in tight spaces or making sharp U-turns. Overall, the Jeep Compass handles and maneuvers well for a light-duty off-road vehicle but is not impressive compared to its competitors and other vehicles in the Jeep family.

4. Conclusion

Choosing the best size for your individual needs is an important decision when purchasing a new vehicle. You must consider what you will use your vehicle for and how many passengers and how much gear you will need to transport. The compact Jeep Compass is more affordable than the midsize Cherokee, however it has less room and power. The Compass is best for a small family or a single person. The new Jeep Cherokee is bigger and more luxurious than the Compass, with a base price five thousand dollars more. If you are looking for a vehicle with more seating, the Cherokee has the option of a 2nd row bench seat allowing for 3rd row seating capable of carrying 7 passengers. This is a rare option in the two-row compact SUV segment. Having the extra row of seats, the Cherokee is the logical choice between the two for someone requiring a great deal of passenger seating and cargo space. One major disadvantage of the additional seating is the optional 3rd row makes the Cherokee heavier and much slower than the Compass. Keep in mind that the size and capabilities of the Jeep Cherokee may be overkill for someone who doesn't need to tow or haul heavy gear; the smaller and more fuel efficient Compass would suffice. In any case it is important to assess the amount of gear, number of passengers, and intended use of your vehicle when deciding which size is best for you.

4.1. Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs

When comparing the two vehicles, the Cherokee is proposed as a more rugged and capable off-roader, whereas the Compass is marketed towards a more urban and suburban lifestyle. This does not mean that the Compass will never see orders or dirt roads. If your lifestyle demands traveling into rough terrain and irregular surfaces, the Cherokee offers a more capable platform due to its larger size and its specific suspension tune and off-road package availability.

Another aspect to consider is the overall maneuverability of the vehicle. The smaller Compass has a shorter wheelbase, narrower width, and shorter body length compared to the Cherokee. This makes it much easier to park and navigate through tight spots. Considering the vehicle will spend an equal amount of time in urban areas and off-road, the Compass' overall size and agility make it a viable choice.

Now that we have examined the various dimensions and interior spaces of the Compass and the Cherokee, it is important to take your own specific needs into account. Generally speaking, the larger Cherokee offers a more spacious and comfortable interior compared to the smaller, slightly more cramped Compass. If you have ever experienced a cramped vehicle, you know that it is neither comfortable nor pleasant to ride in. Customers who will spend long periods in their vehicle might find the Cherokee more suitable.