Jeep Compass VS Ford Escape,Hyundai Tucson, Mazda Mx30 and Honda HRV

January 26 2026, Jamie Young

The Jeep Compass distinguishes itself from the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-30, and Honda HR-V primarily through its genuine off-road capability, as it's the only one in its class to offer standard 4x4 on all trims.

The Jeep Compass distinguishes itself from the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-30, and Honda HR-V primarily through its genuine off-road capability, as it's the only one in its class to offer standard 4x4 on all trims and the "Trail Rated" Trailhawk model. While the others are capable city and highway crossovers, the Compass is built to handle rougher terrain.

Vehicle Comparison: Emphasizing the Jeep Compass

Feature	Jeep Compass	Ford Escape	Hyundai Santa Fe	Mazda CX-30	Honda HR-V
Primary Strength	Off-road capability & standard 4x4	Fuel efficiency & hybrid options	Interior space & 3rd row	Upscale interior & driving dynamics	Practicality & value
Drivetrain	Standard 4x4	FWD or AWD options	FWD or AWD options	Standard AWD	FWD or AWD options
Engine (Base)	2.0L Turbo I-4 (200 hp, 221 lb-ft torque)	1.5L EcoBoost I-3 (180 hp)	2.5L I-4	2.5L I-4 (191 hp)	2.0L I-4 (158 hp)
Ground Clearance	8.1 inches (or 8.6 in for Trailhawk)	7.9 inches	7.0 inches	8.0 inches	7.8 inches
Key Off-Road Feature	Trail Rated® capability, underbody sealing, skid plates, Selec-Terrain® system	None specific	None specific	None specific	None specific

Why the Jeep Compass Stands Out

Unmatched Off-Road Prowess: The Jeep Compass is uniquely designed for adventure beyond paved roads. The Trailhawk trim is the only vehicle in this comparison that is "Trail Rated," signifying it has passed rigorous tests for traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. Its competitors lack the dedicated hardware like skid plates, tow hooks, and specialized suspension for true off-roading.
Standard 4x4 and Powerful Base Engine: Unlike the Ford Escape and Honda HR-V, which offer all-wheel drive only as an option on higher trims, every Jeep Compass comes standard with 4x4, ensuring better traction in challenging weather conditions. Its base 2.0L turbo engine also delivers class-leading standard horsepower and torque, providing robust performance for both daily driving and light trail use.
Rugged Yet Refined: The Compass successfully blends its rugged, go-anywhere brand identity with modern comfort and technology. Reviewers note its improved interior quality and the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system with an available 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a more premium feel in higher trims compared to the more practical interiors of some rivals like the Honda HR-V.

Purpose-Built Design: Features like higher air intakes and special water sealing allow for impressive water-fording capabilities (up to 19 inches on Trailhawk models), a feature not found on the other, lower-sitting crossovers in this group.