Nearly new buying guide: Jeep Compass

The new entry-level trim was Night Eagle, followed by Limited – both available with front-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and a 128bhp 1.3-litre turbo petrol. For four-wheel drive, you will need the Trailhawk or range-topping S – a pair of plug-in hybrids with a six-speed auto, 237bhp, 199lb ft and a claimed fuel economy of 141.2-156.9mpg.

The Compass’s driving strengths include useful mid-range muscle, especially in the 2.0 diesel and 4xe versions. There are also decent levels of grip and good stability, helped by electronic traction and stability controls, which combine nicely with Jeep’s four-wheel drive system to provide sure-footed progress.

Need to know

The Compass can tow up to two tonnes (braked), which makes it a useful second-hand option for pulling trailers or caravans.

The starting price for a new second-generation Compass in 2018 was £22,995 but the earliest Sport cars can now be had from as low as £14,000 – a reasonable price given the generous levels of standard kit. Mid-range Longitude cars cost from around £15,000 and Limited ones from £17,000. Expect to pay at least £18,000 for a post-facelift Night Eagle.

The Compass has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, scoring an impressive 90% for adult occupancy and 83% for child occupancy. That’s thanks to more than 70 active and passive safety features offered on the model, including blindspot monitoring, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Buyer beware

Reliability concerns: Before you buy a Compass, be aware that in the 2019 What Car? Reliability Survey, Jeep was ranked the third-most unreliable car brand with a score of 84.4%. The Renegade, which shares its platform with the Compass, scored a poor 77.1%.

Going up: The Compass isn’t the easiest car in its class for everyone to get in and out of, according to What Car?’s accessibility statistics. In its lowest position, the driver’s seat is 690mm from ground level. Drivers with reduced leg mobility might also want to take account of the high door sills, which sit 480mm above the road.

Clogged filters: Diesel particulate filters can clog if the car is left standing for too long, such as on a forecourt. If it can’t be fixed with a motorway blast, it could result in an expensive repair.

Our pick

1.6 Multijet II 120 2WD: The 1.6-litre diesel is the most refined engine option and offers a claimed economy figure of 64.2mpg (on the older, NEDC test)

Wild card

4XE: Plug-in power isn’t for everyone, but 30 miles of all-electric range is appealing for those who do lots of shorter journeys. Just be prepared to pay a higher sticker price.