Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass variant list includes Sport, Longitude, Limited and Limited Plus. The Longitude and Limited versions further get an option pack. The diesel engine is available across all variants, but the petrol motor isn’t available in the Longitude variant. Also, while the base-spec petrol Compass is manual only, the top two variants of the Compass petrol only get an automatic transmission. If you want 4x4, you get that choice in the Limited, Limited (O) and Limited Plus variants with the diesel engine only. The latest addition to the Compass lineup is the Trailhawk which gets more off-road focused bodywork and equipment. It even gets a much-awaited diesel-automatic combo but commands a premium of Rs 3.7 lakh over the top-spec Limited Plus.

In the base-spec Sport variant, you get 16-inch steel wheels, a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and manual AC. But since safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, ESC and traction control is offered, we happily recommend this to those on a strict budget. Climb up the chain, and the Longitude offers some flash value in the form of a beige-black cabin, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and push-button start. But, if you’ve got the budget for a Longitude, we’d recommend you reach out for the Longitude (O) instead. The projector headlamps, bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dual-zone climate control is worth it. The Longitude (O) variant is also our value-for-money pick of the lot. In the Limited variant, Jeep offers grey leather upholstery, different alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Limited (O) additionally gets you HID headlamps. You can give these variants a skip and pick the new Limited Plus variant that offers a whole lot more, including a panoramic sunroof, a powered driver seat with memory function and a bigger 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The price premium is well worth it.

The design of the Compass blends modern elements with typical ‘upright and boxy’ SUV basics. It’s big on size and does make sure tiny hatchbacks get out of your way if they spot it in their rearview mirror. There are typically Jeep elements too, including the seven-slat grille and the squared-off wheel arches. For that premium touch, you get projector headlamps, daytime running lamps and LED bits in the tail lamps. The top-spec Limited Plus variant gets a sweet set of two-tone alloy wheels, whereas lower variants get more sombre-looking alloys. There’s a lizard hiding under the wiper, and a Loch Ness monster on the rear windscreen too. Talk about attention to detail.

With the Compass, you don’t have to really climb high to get inside the cabin. But once you’re in, the space on offer doesn’t impress too much. Relative to the size of the SUV, rear-seat kneeroom can be termed average at best. There’s no dearth of width or headroom in the cabin, though. As far as features go, Jeep has you covered. With the recently introduced Limited Plus variant, you get the all-important sunroof, an 8.4-inch touchscreen (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and electric-adjust for the driver seat with memory function. Oddly enough, it continues to puzzle us with the absence of cruise control. You also get a rock-solid build and a host of safety features to go with. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and traction control are offered as standard. Side and curtain airbags are offered in the Limited (4x4), Limited Option (4x4) and the Limited Plus variant.

Tata Hexa : Tata has been putting out some amazing cars lately and the Hexa is no exception. The stylish new SUV is a head turner for sure. It is superbly built and refined. The smaller footprint also helps it while manoeuvring in the city.

Hyundai Creta : The Hyundai Creta might be a vanilla package, but that doesn’t stop it from being a potent one. It’s got the mix of looks, features and drivability, ensuring that thousands of prospective owners throng Hyundai’s showrooms every month. The waiting periods can get annoying though, so be warned!

Mahindra XUV500 : Like most Mahindra vehicles, the XUV offers a lot for the money. Quality is a bit of a hit or miss, and there are known niggles too. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Mahindra’s big boy is a well-packaged SUV for those who love munching miles.

Tata Harrier : We don’t see any major deal breakers with the Harrier. It’s loaded, spacious, drives well and is built like a tank. Tata’s best yet? Without a doubt.

Kia Seltos: The Kia Seltos looks stunning, is really well built and is packed to the gills with features. There's an exhaustive list of variants, two trim packages, three engines and automatic options in both diesel and petrol power. It handles and drives like a car and the only real downsides are it rides a little on the stiff side and doesn't really give off those big SUV feels some people crave.

MG Hector : The MG Hector aces everything we love about big SUVs. It's imposing, spacious, rides nicely and is priced well too. Wow features include a massive panoramic sunroof and humongus touch screen infotainment system. There is some room for improvement when it comes to finish and build and it's dynamics around corners. Overall though it packs in heaps of value.

It’s a Jeep thing, they say. And if you’ve always wanted one, the Compass is a great one to begin with. It’s rock-solid, built to munch miles and ready to get down and dirty. If you can live with the slightly small cabin, it’s a very capable SUV to have in your garage!