Jeep Compass Vs. Cherokee: What's The Difference?
Jeep Compass vs. Jeep Cherokee Comparison at a Glance
- The Cherokee is larger and more fuel efficient, while the Jeep Compass is a lower-cost option with an all-gas engine.
- Size matters; do you prefer the more cargo space offered by the Cherokee or the more maneuverable and nimble exterior of the Compass?
- As the more luxurious model, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee takes additional steps beyond the Compass by offering features like the available heated rear row seats and a standard 12.3-inch central touchscreen.
- If you value more standard safety, the Cherokee has standard Rain-Sensing Wipers, but the Compass is still very safe, thanks to standard Active Lane Management.
- DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Silver Spring is the perfect place to see these models side by side.
As you shop for your next affordable, durable, and high-value SUV, it's natural that you look for a Jeep Compass vs. Cherokee comparison. The Compass is the perfect option for drivers wanting an introduction to Jeep value, versatility, and style. As a compact SUV, it offers exceptional features for its market while providing an easy-to-drive experience with surprising legroom. The Cherokee is a midsize SUV with a hybrid engine, taking the edge in cargo space and overall performance. So, if you have to choose, which model and trim level should you take home?
As the Cherokee makes its way to our dealership for the 2026 model year, we at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Silver Spring are excited to dive into the details. See how it matches up against the tried-and-tested Jeep Compass.
Jeep Compass vs. Cherokee Design
We begin with an overview of how these models look, and you may be surprised: These SUVs are truly siblings, with clear inspiration from Jeep design principles. The unique, segmented grille below your Jeep badging is shared, as is a sloping front bumper that creates a durable-looking front end – though the Cherokee has the larger accents.
A more significant difference lies in shape; the Jeep Compass features a sloping front, with a hood that more elegantly transitions into the windshield to create a more rounded exterior. The Cherokee is blockier, with a flatter hood and sharper drop-off at the back.
Jeep Compass vs. Jeep Cherokee Specs
While style is important, what's under the hood is a critical part of your driving experience. Each of these models reveals two entirely different powertrains. The
2025 Jeep Compass specs are the more modest of the two vehicles, sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This straightforward power source still produces 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, achieving an EPA-estimated 27 MPG (Combined),1 and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure smooth and consistent acceleration. The small SUV rides higher than its big sibling, at a maximum of 8.6 inches.
Compare that to the Jeep Cherokee. For 2026, the Jeep Cherokee is powered exclusively by a hybrid powertrain: a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. Paired with an HEV supportive motor, the Cherokee reaches a combined 210 horsepower, combined 230 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated 37 MPG (Combined).2 You can also tow up to 3,500 pounds,3 which is 1,500 pounds more than its little sibling.3
Jeep Compass vs. Jeep Cherokee Size
Another reason why a family might prefer the Compass over the Cherokee is the size difference. The Jeep Compass is classified as a compact SUV, meaning it has a shorter length (by nearly 15 inches) when put side-by-side with the Cherokee, alongside slightly less width and height.
That doesn't leave you feeling claustrophobic. Despite the size difference, the Compass and Cherokee have nearly identical legroom specs: 41.2 inches of Compass front row legroom to 41.3 inches in the Cherokee, while rear row legroom is just 0.2 inches of difference (as shown in the above chart). This lets owners utilize our Jeep Compass incentives to get the best of both worlds: comfortable seating and a highly nimble body.
If you don't value the nimble shape of the Compass, the Cherokee has a significant advantage over its little sibling: cargo volume. With 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk and a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet when the rear row is folded down, you'll consistently have more room in the Cherokee than the Compass and its 59.8 cubic feet capacity. Considering the
Jeep Compass towing capacity is also significantly less than that of its big sibling, you'll have a much easier time bringing along what you need for vacations, sporting events, or moving day.
Jeep Compass vs. Cherokee Interior Features
In terms of interior style and comfort, the matchup becomes less even. The Compass is an entry-level model to the Jeep lineup, which means it has a value-driven lineup of comfort and convenience features. An 8.4-inch (or 10.1-inch, depending on trim level) central touchscreen introduces intuitive customization to your cabin, with the Uconnect 5 program easily capable of connecting to your Apple® or Android phone. A premium Alpine® speaker system crafts stellar ambiance as an available package, transforming your interior into a truly remarkable experience. Dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats are also available on higher trims, ensuring your comfort in nearly any weather condition.
But the newly reimagined Jeep Cherokee arrives with a truly elevated feel in the cabin. A 12.3-inch central touchscreen paints your dashboard, while a 10.25-inch full-color instrument cluster houses your most must-know vehicle stats. Systems available only on higher-end trims of the Compass, like a passive entry system, come standard on the Cherokee. As you climb the four trim levels, the Cherokee adds more advanced features: heated rear seats to keep your passengers comfortable in cold weather, an Alexa® in-vehicle assistant to simplify vehicle navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof to let in natural light. If prestigious features are a priority for you and your family, we highly recommend a Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep Compass vs. Cherokee Reliability
The safety comparison is quite similar to the interior: Revitalized for 2026, the Cherokee offers many additional standard safety options (and brand-new available ones) that the Compass doesn't have on offer. Again, the Compass is an excellent option for families looking for high-value, impactful safety features. Standard tech, such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Management, and Pedestrian and Cyclist Emergency Detection, enables the Compass to excel far beyond many vehicles in its segment. And that's not considering the three other trims, such as the automatic high-beam headlamps available in the Latitude, for example. Or climb to the Trailhawk for Adaptive Cruise Control, Rain-Sensing Wipers, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, and more. A 360-Degree Camera is available starting on the Latitude, unlocking a sweeping perspective of the road and any obstacles you might encounter.
The Cherokee takes those extra steps. Rain-Sensing Wipers, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Park Assist, and Active Driving Assist are all standard members of the Cherokee lineup. The 360-Degree Camera is available once again, but the Turn Signal-Activated Blind Spot can help alleviate the stress of hard turns, and the Windshield Wiper De-Icer makes driving in winter conditions less hazardous. Both models prioritize safety, but the Cherokee has more advanced technology features that make it a preferred choice for families seeking assisted peace of mind during longer drives.
Explore the Difference Between Jeep Compass and Cherokee Models at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Silver Spring
Both of these SUVs will prove themselves to be perfect travel companions, but if you're only bringing home one of them, let our team help you choose. We can provide you with additional Jeep Compass vs. Jeep Cherokee reviews, guide you through the custom-ordering process, and inform you about our expected delivery dates for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee trim levels or 2025 Compass options. Then, once you've made a choice, our financing department will issue clear lease or financing plans so you can prioritize enjoying the ride.
If neither model quite matches your needs, we can also show you options like the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, or Gladiator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee?
The main differences between the Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee are their sizes, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The Jeep Compass is less expensive, serving as a compact entry point to the lineup with a better available off-roading trim. The Jeep Cherokee is the larger, more advanced model, boasting a hybrid engine, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and easier access to temperature control and safety features.
Which is better: the Jeep Compass or Jeep Cherokee?
Both the Jeep Compass and Cherokee have distinct advantages that make them both reasonable choices. The Compass is more compact, making it easier to drive in urban areas, and also has slightly better ground clearance – especially with the Trailhawk trim. The Cherokee offers better fuel economy, horsepower, torque, and cargo space, along with more advanced features, but is a slightly pricier option than the Compass.
Which Jeep SUV feels more spacious inside?
Both are surprisingly spacious on the inside, with the Compass offering 41.2 inches of front legroom and the Cherokee with 41.3 inches of front legroom. However, the Cherokee is undeniably the larger-feeling vehicle, thanks to its spacious trunk and 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space. You can store up to 27.2 cubic feet of items in your Compass with all seats in use.
Which offers greater off-road capability?
While the Jeep Cherokee is far from useless on roads less traveled, the Compass Trailhawk is the definitive off-roading trim between the two models. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, Trail-Rated suspension, skid plates, and installed tow hooks, the Compass Trailhawk gets you ready for light and midlevel off-roading adventures. Its available 360-Degree Camera and Trailer Tow Group package further improves its capabilities.
Featured Review Of The Jeep Cherokee
What an exceptional experience! Not what you would expect at a car dealer, right……wrong! We recently went to DARCARS Jeep of Silver Spring and were fortunate to work with Luis S. In sales. Luis guided us through the process, presented us with a reasonable trade in value for our truck and an equally good price on the new Grand Cherokee we were buying. There was no haggling, no back & forth, everything was on the up & up. We worked with Luis in Sales, George in Finance and the GM, Terrell B. All of these gentlemen were fantastic. I almost never leave reviews, but this buying experience deserved my time and feedback. When the need arises, we will surely be going back to DARCARS CJDR of Silver Spring. Thank you all for your help and professionalism.
Additional Jeep Compass Resources
