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180 | Horsepower (HP) | 170 |
175 | Torque (lb-ft) | 175 |
2,000 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 1,102 |
When you think about a highly customizable compact SUV, the brand that probably comes to mind first is Jeep. This American automaker is hard to beat when it comes to off-road prowess, capability, and style. Today, we are going to compare the 2020 Jeep Compass vs 2020 Nissan Rogue to see which one has more to offer interested buyers.
These two pint-sized crossovers are both athletically-styled, fun to drive, and loaded with cool features. Both have comfortable seating for up to five people, but the cargo areas are a little bit different. The Jeep Compass offers 27.2 cubic feet of room behind the second row of seating. However, that's only with all of the seats up, the maximum cargo area for this model is measured at 59.8 cubic feet if the second-row seats are folded flat. On the other hand, the Nissan Rogue offers 39.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the second-row and has a maximum cargo area of 70 cubic feet with second-row seats folded down. While the Nissan Rogue is a bit bigger, you will see that this actually impacts the vehicle’s overall performance when we go over the powertrains.
Are you excited to learn more about these two competitors? Keep reading to learn about the safety system, trim levels, powertrains, and so much more!
Kicking things off, we will begin our comparisons with the available powertrains on each vehicle. Since they are both compact SUVs, most people expect great gas mileage and smooth transmissions. But which model offers the better performance?
Standard across the 2020 Jeep Compass models is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that can be equipped with either a 6 or 9-speed automatic transmission; a manual transmission is also available. It comes standard with FWD, but higher trims can be fitted with 4WD for better traction on difficult roads. While generating 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, the Compass has an estimated fuel economy of up to 26 MPG combined (23 city/32 highway). The maximum towing capacity is capped at 2,000 pounds, which is high for a compact crossover.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It comes standard with FWD, but AWD can be added. This engine can yield up to 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque and has an estimated fuel economy of 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway). As for towing, it can only pull around 1,102 pounds.
The larger size on the Nissan Rogue is not an advantage when it comes to power. The Jeep Compass provides better performance with more only a little more power but has a much higher towing limit.
When it comes to off-roading, nothing can beat a Jeep. The new 2020 Jeep Compass has extraordinary enhancements that make it the absolute best off-roading vehicle in its class. While the Nissan Rogue can be equipped with AWD for better handling on rough roads, the Jeep Compass does so much more than that.
First, the 4WD Compass models come with the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System to make driving during various conditions a breeze. You may choose between Sand, Mud, Snow, Rock, and Auto modes depending on what the roads are like. Furthermore, the Compass Trailhawk gets the brand-exclusive Active Drive Low 4x4 System that comes with a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range for the best handling while traveling over large rocks. In other words, this vehicle can take off-roading to the extreme.
Another feature unique to the Compass Trailhawk is Hill Descent Control. This innovative system will monitor the throttle, speed, and braking while you are going down a steep decline. All you have to do is focus on steering, and the intelligent Compass will handle the rest of the work. You don’t have to worry about losing control of the vehicle and flying down a rugged hill.
Finally, another cool feat that the Compass Trailhawk can easily accomplish is water fording. Just like it’s big brother, the Wrangler, the Compass Trailhawk features a watertight engine compartment with a high air intake. That means that you can drive straight through rivers up to 30-inches deep without worrying about flooding the engine. No bridge? No problem! The 2020 Nissan Rogue will have to wait back in the parking lot while you head off on an adventure into the wild!
The interiors of each vehicle will vary greatly depending on the trim level you choose. The Compass is available in four different trims, and the Rogue is only offered in three. As you can already tell, the Jeep is much more customizable.
The Compass Sport is the base model. Inside, you will find the advanced infotainment system known as UConnect 4. This interface is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen and works with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. This monitor also displays the video feed from the rearview camera when you are traveling in reverse. Meanwhile, the Nissan Rogue S is the entry-level trim that comes with a similar infotainment system displayed on a 7-inch monitor. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto also work here, and the Rogue has a few extra safety features as well. These include automatic high beams, emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.
The second trim on the Compass is the Latitude, and it has no competitor on the Rogue’s side. Featuring a premium Alpine sound system, extra USB ports, and the option to add the Cold Weather Package, it’s a nice upgrade from the base. If you add the Cold Weather Package, you will get a heated steering wheel, heated seats, a de-icer for the windshield, and remote start technology.
The Compass's next option is the Altitude, which happens to be a limited edition model, and it doesn’t have a competitor on the Rogue’s side either. Featuring Piano Black interior and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, it’s a very sophisticated version of the Compass.
Stepping up to the mid-level Compass Limited, you will notice a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Heated leather seats have also been included as well as a heated steering wheel and a 115-volt power outlet. The Rogue SV is a comparable trim here. It comes with heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, reverse automatic braking, and rear parking sensors. A hands-free liftgate is also included.
As we mentioned before, the coveted Trailhawk model on the Compass has no rivals. Its leather seats with Ruby Red stitching give the interior a bold style. Aside from all the performance enhancements, this model also comes with ventilated front seats, driver memory settings, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Lastly, the Compass High Altitude special edition model adds navigation to the infotainment system. It also gets a 9-speaker Alpine audio system for enhanced sound. On the other hand, the Rogue SL gets leather upholstery, a navigation system, and a surround-view parking camera system. Also included in this top-tier trim is the ProPilot Assist safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go technology, and steering assist.
Looking at these vehicles from the outside, you can tell which one is which instantly. The Jeep models all look more rugged and ready for adventure while the Nissans have a more reserved look about them. Let’s break it down further for a better understanding of the various exterior differences.
The Compass Sport can be fitted with the Sport Appearance Package that adds 16-inch aluminum wheels instead of the standard 16-inch steel wheels. The Rogue S rides on 17-inch steel wheels and gets LED daytime running lamps.
Next, the Compass Latitude comes with fog lamps, power-adjustable/heated side mirrors, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. As for the Compass Altitude special edition model, it gets 18-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels, black accents, and your choice of solid or two-tone paint colors.
The mid-level Compass Limited rolls on 19-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels and comes in the two-tone paint options. As for the Rogue SV, it gets 17-inch aluminum wheels, chrome accents, and a hands-free liftgate.
Stepping up to the Compass Trailhawk, this off-roading vehicle gets protective skid plates and two red tow hooks. Finally, the Compass High Altitude special edition model rides on 19-inch Satin Granite aluminum wheels and features a unique grille, HID headlights, and an LED light strip. On the other hand, the Rogue SL gets 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and fog lamps.