Jeep Compass vs Nissan Qashqai

The compact SUV market is one of the success stories of the automotive industry over recent years. It's often said that the Nissan Qashqai was the first example of the format, appearing when other SUVs where mainly playing in the station wagon or minivan arena. But whether or not the Qashqai was the first true compact crossover, there's no doubt that the segment is hugely competitive today. One of the current market leaders is the Jeep Compass, and to find out why it's so popular we've put it up against the trailblazing Qashqai in this short comparison review.

 

First Impressions

 

The two cars take distinctly different slants on the compact SUV format. The Qashqai is rounded and sleek, while the Compass is more aggressive, chunkier, and gives the impression it'd be happier than the Qashqai in tough off-road conditions. Nonetheless, both of these crossovers bring a completely modern feel to the small SUV shape and will look great in any suburban driveway.

 

Powertrain and Performance

 

The Qashqai is supplied with a single engine choice, comprising a 2.0L four-cylinder model making a respectable 141 horsepower and 141lb-ft of torque. While the output won't break any performance levels, it's certainly more than adequate for everyday city and highway duties.

 

However, the Jeep Compass takes performance to a much higher level, with its standard 2.4L engine making 180 horsepower and 175lb-ft, which gives a significant boost to everyday driving ability. However, the Compass also has the option of a diesel engine which holds the horsepower at a steady 167 hp but pushes the torque up to a generous 258lb-ft, increasing hauling and towing ability in particular.

 

Off-Road Readiness

 

Both cars offer the option of all-wheel drive, but other than that feature, the Qashqai doesn't bring much to the off-road party. The 2021 Jeep Compass is another matter entirely, with its optional Selec-Terrain system balancing wheel traction individually for superior performance over a wide range of terrains. The Compass might not have the full off-road prowess of its bigger Wrangler brother, but it nonetheless shows the chops the Jeep brand is famous for.

 

Infotainment and Technology

 

The Qashqai is supplied with a 7" infotainment touchscreen featuring smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Compass trim matches this specification, but every other model in the range boosts the screen size to a healthy 8.4". Both SUVs offer navigation as an optional extra.

 

Active Safety and Driver Assist

 

Both the Nissan Qashqai and the Jeep Compass are equipped with a generous suite of active safety and driver assist systems, with options including forward collision warnings with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. However, the Compass adds a few nice extra touches including rain-activated windshield wipers with automatic variable speed to match the conditions.

 

Test Drive the Jeep Compass in Scarsview

 

Experience the Jeep Compass's blend of power, comfort, and character with a test drive from our Scarsview dealership. The small SUV market is a competitive one, but the Jeep Compass has the features and performance to stand out from the crowd.