2015 Jeep Compass FWD 2.4L: Fuel Economy Review

The 23 MPG combined isn’t the main selling point for the 2015 Jeep Compass with the 2.4L engine and front-wheel drive. People buy this vehicle because it’s affordable, has Jeep styling, and a compact size, not for outstanding gas mileage. The typical buyer is often new to car ownership, a city resident who occasionally needs to drive in bad weather, or someone who wants the Jeep brand but at a lower price than a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. They accept the Compass’s average fuel economy as part of owning a Jeep.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that this Compass configuration gets 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the frequent stops and starts of urban driving, which tends to strain smaller engines like the 2.4L as they work harder to accelerate a relatively heavy vehicle. The highway rating is better. The automatic 6-speed transmission helps keep the engine running efficiently at cruising speeds. A 27 MPG figure suggests that the Compass can be economical for long-distance travel if you drive reasonably.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Jeep Compass FWD 2.4L is $1,900. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a set mix of city and highway driving, and on national average gas prices when the rating was calculated. It’s a general measure for comparing the Compass’s fuel use to other vehicles, but your actual fuel costs could be very different depending on how you drive and gas prices in your area.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are just a guide. Real-world gas mileage often varies. Compass owners should probably expect numbers slightly lower than the EPA says, particularly in areas with lots of traffic, hills, or very hot or cold temperatures. Driving hard, carrying extra weight, and skipping maintenance can all hurt fuel economy. And because the vehicle is older, parts like the oxygen sensors and catalytic converter can really affect its mileage.

How it compares

The 2015 Jeep Compass’s fuel economy is lower than some similar vehicles. For example, the 2015 Honda CR-V, with front-wheel drive, has an EPA combined rating of 29 MPG and about 33 MPG on the highway. The 2015 Toyota RAV4, another popular small SUV, gets 26 MPG combined. Even the 2015 Nissan Rogue, with its advanced CVT transmission, gets 28 MPG combined. A few MPGs difference can add up significantly over the vehicle’s life. Buyers should think about these differences, and consider whether the lower price of the Compass makes up for slightly higher fuel costs across all years. You can see all Jeep fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Because the 2015 Compass isn’t known for saving gas, it’s important to drive carefully. Avoid quick acceleration, which uses a lot of fuel. Instead, accelerate slowly and keep a consistent speed when possible. Watch for traffic lights and slowdowns to avoid unnecessary braking and accelerating.

Correct tire inflation is also important. Tires with too little air increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and decreasing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. The recommended tire pressure should extend the range you get out of a tank.

Keep the vehicle well-maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements are important for good engine performance. These simple maintenance tasks can prevent small issues from becoming bigger fuel economy problems. A properly tuned engine uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra items increases the amount of fuel the engine burns. Removing any unnecessary weight from the vehicle will improve its fuel economy, even if only a little. These small improvements add up over time. Keeping your load to just yourself and what you need will help save money.