25 MPG combined might be a drawback for some considering the 2018 Jeep Compass FWD 2.4L. It’s acceptable, but not exceptional. The Compass, especially in front-wheel drive, is geared toward city drivers, young professionals, and small families who value Jeep’s styling and practical cargo space over excellent fuel economy. They know the Compass is more about image and capability than getting the most miles per gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. City mileage is where the Compass struggles. Stop-and-go traffic hurts overall economy, and the 2.4L engine has to work to move the Compass from a standstill. The highway number is better, making road trips less expensive. The six-speed automatic transmission is adequate but not the most efficient, which contributes to the mediocre fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Jeep Compass FWD 2.4L at $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using average national fuel prices. It’s a useful point of comparison, but your fuel costs will change depending on your driving, fuel type, and local gas prices. This alone can be a large part of the overall cost to own for some drivers.

Real-world expectations

Don’t always expect to get the EPA’s numbers. Real-world driving, like quick acceleration, hills, and using the AC, will change fuel economy. Owners often report numbers closer to the low 20s in mixed driving, a long way from the 25 MPG combined rating. Those who accelerate quickly or mostly drive in the city should expect even lower numbers. However, those who drive conservatively and mostly on the highway may see results closer to the EPA estimates.

How it compares

The Compass is in a competitive compact SUV class. The Honda CR-V gets 28 MPG combined in its front-wheel drive LX trim. The Subaru Crosstrek, with standard all-wheel drive, still gets 29 MPG combined with its CVT. Even the Mazda CX-5, known for its driving, offers 28 MPG combined in FWD. These numbers highlight the Compass’s disadvantage in fuel economy compared to others in its class. While the Jeep’s styling and off-road capability set it apart, the 3-4 MPG difference can add up to significant money at the pump each year. You can review COMPASS MPG across all years to see how results have changed over time. Other years may be worth considering.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Regular maintenance is critical for good fuel economy. Keep your tire pressure correct, as low pressure increases rolling resistance and lowers MPG. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, to keep the engine running efficiently.

Avoid accelerating and braking hard. These habits consume more fuel than smooth driving. Anticipate traffic, maintain a steady speed, and drive smoothly to improve fuel economy. Cruise control on the highway can help maintain a constant speed and reduce fuel consumption.

Don’t idle. Idling wastes fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel. This is important in city traffic, where idling can use a lot of fuel.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. Extra items add weight and reduce fuel economy. Remove extra cargo that you don’t need and take off roof racks when not in use, as they create drag and reduce MPG. You can see all Jeep fuel economy data to compare to other models.