Compare the2022 Jeep CompassVS 2021 Ford EcoSport

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Compass’ pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The EcoSport doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Compass has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Compass has standard Active Braking, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The EcoSport doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The Compass’ lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Compass Latitude/Trailhawk/Limited offers an optional Surround View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The EcoSport only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Compass has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the EcoSport and isn't available on the not available.

Both the Compass and the EcoSport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Jeep Compass is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Compass	EcoSport
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	196	250
Neck Compression	38 lbs.	60 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	326/489 lbs.	495/441 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	172	325
Neck Injury Risk	36%	38%

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Jeep Compass is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Compass	EcoSport
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.8 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	335 lbs.	337 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	101	195
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	12 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Compass the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 213 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The EcoSport has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

Jeep pays for scheduled maintenance on the Compass for 3 years and unlimited miles. Jeep will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance (up to 3 oil changes). Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the EcoSport.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Jeep vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jeep 8th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 14th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Jeep vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Jeep 3 places higher in reliability than Ford.

Engine

The Compass’ 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 54 more horsepower (177 vs. 123) and 47 lbs.-ft. more torque (172 vs. 125) than the EcoSport’s standard 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder. The Compass’ 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 11 more horsepower (177 vs. 166) and 23 lbs.-ft. more torque (172 vs. 149) than the EcoSport’s optional 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Jeep Compass is faster than the Ford EcoSport:

	Compass	EcoSport turbo 3 cyl.	EcoSport 4 cyl.
Zero to 60 MPH	9.4 sec	11.2 sec	9.9 sec
Quarter Mile	17.2 sec	18.2 sec	17.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	77.2 MPH	76.7 MPH	77 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Jeep Compass uses regular unleaded gasoline. The EcoSport with the 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Jeep Compass higher (6 out of 10) than the Ford EcoSport (5). This means the Compass produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the EcoSport every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is optional on the Jeep Compass 4x4, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the EcoSport.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Compass’ brake rotors are larger than those on the EcoSport:

	Compass	EcoSport
Front Rotors	12 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	10.95 inches	10.7 inches

The Compass stops shorter than the EcoSport:

	Compass	EcoSport
60 to 0 MPH	129 feet	132 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Compass has larger standard tires than the EcoSport (215/65R16 vs. 205/60R16). The Compass 4x4’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the EcoSport (235/45R19 vs. 205/60R16).

The Compass 4x4’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the EcoSport’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Compass 4x4 offers optional 19-inch wheels. The EcoSport’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

The Jeep Compass’ wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford EcoSport only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Compass Trailhawk has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the EcoSport; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which has mileage and speed limitations, or roadside assistance and a tow-truck.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Jeep Compass has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The EcoSport 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Compass has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Compass flat and controlled during cornering. The EcoSport 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Compass has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The EcoSport doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The Compass’ drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The EcoSport doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Compass’ wheelbase is 4.6 inches longer than on the EcoSport (103.8 inches vs. 99.2 inches).

The Compass’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (58% to 42%) than the EcoSport’s (62% to 38%). This gives the Compass more stable handling and braking.

The Compass Limited 4x4 handles at .75 G’s, while the EcoSport SE pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Compass Limited 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the EcoSport SE (28.6 seconds @ .57 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The Compass has 8.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the EcoSport (99.6 vs. 91.1).

The Compass has 2.5 inches more front hip room, 3.4 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom, 1.6 inches more rear legroom and 3.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the EcoSport.

Cargo Capacity

The Compass has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the EcoSport with its rear seat up (27.2 vs. 20.9 cubic feet). The Compass has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the EcoSport with its rear seat folded (59.8 vs. 50 cubic feet).

The Compass’ liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The EcoSport’s swing out door blocks loading from the driver’s side.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Compass Latitude/Trailhawk/Limited’s power cargo door can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening cargo door.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Compass Limited/Trailhawk, the optional memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The EcoSport doesn’t offer memory seats.

The Compass’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The EcoSport has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Compass’ front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The EcoSport’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the Compass (except Sport) detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The EcoSport doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Compass Latitude/Trailhawk/Limited has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The EcoSport doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Compass’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford only offers heated mirrors on the EcoSport SES/Titanium.

Both the Compass and the EcoSport offer available heated front seats. The Compass Trailhawk/Limited also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the EcoSport.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Compass Limited/Trailhawk keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The EcoSport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Compass (except Sport)’s optional dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The EcoSport doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Compass and the EcoSport offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Compass has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The EcoSport doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Compass (except Sport) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The EcoSport doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Jeep Compass (except Sport) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The EcoSport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Compass’ optional ParkSense Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The EcoSport doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Compass owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Compass will cost $210 less than the EcoSport over a five-year period.

The Compass will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Compass will retain 43.7% to 48.73% of its original price after five years, while the EcoSport only retains 42.27% to 42.7%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Compass is less expensive to operate than the EcoSport because it costs $309 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Compass than the EcoSport, including $24 less for a muffler, $3 less for front brake pads, $90 less for fuel injection, $3 less for a fuel pump, $487 less for a timing belt/chain and $678 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Jeep Compass outsold the Ford EcoSport by 84% during the 2021 model year.

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