Jeep Compass Ground Clearance
The 2022 Jeep Compass has a base ground clearance of 8.1 inches, but you can upgrade to 8.6 inches with the Trailhawk trim for better off-roading capabilities.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ground clearance specs for the 2022 Jeep Compass start off at 8.1 inches for the base Sport trim and remain the same for the Latitude, Altitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, (RED) Edition, and High Altitude trims, with only the Trailhawk trim getting an upgraded ground clearance spec of 8.6 inches.
In addition to being great
family cars
, SUVs can also be great options for drivers who are looking for a more adventurous driving experience. When shopping for an SUV that you plan to take off-road, you’ll want to check out its enhanced off-roading capabilities like AWD, engine performance, and tires—but it’s also vital that you look into the model’s ground clearance! Want to know how far your Compass sits above the ground? We've got all the specs you need to know in the article below.
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2022 Jeep Compass ground clearance
The ground clearance of the rugged Compass varies based on trim level, so let’s break it down:
- Altitude: 8.1 inches
- (RED) Edition: 8.1 inches
- High Altitude: 8.1 inches
The only trim of the 2022 Jeep Compass that strays from the base Sport’s ground clearance specs is the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, adding an extra half-inch for a grand total of 8.6 inches of ground clearance.
Jeep Compass ground clearance over the years
Depending on when you purchased your Compass, or if you’re shopping for a used model, the ground clearance specs of the model have been subject to slight variations over the years. Generally speaking, older generations are going to have a lower ground clearance spec—though that’s not always the case.
Here’s how the Compass’s ground clearance has changed over the generations:
- 1st generation (2007-2010): 8.1 inches
- 1st generation facelift (2011-2017): 8.2-8.5 inches
- 2nd generation (2018-2021): 7.8-8.5 inches
- 2nd generation facelift (2022-): 8.1-8.6 inches
Remember that the exact clearance numbers will change based on trim level and model year. For the most part, only the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, introduced in 2017 at the end of the first generation facelift, varies from the base trim’s ground clearance specs.
MORE: The 10 best SUVs for towing
What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
So what exactly does ground clearance mean—and why is it important to your SUV’s off-roading capabilities? Ground clearance is a measurement that is equal to the distance between the ground and the lowest point of your vehicle’s chassis. To put it another way, it’s the distance between your car and the ground.
When it comes to off-roading, a higher ground clearance measurement means that you’ll have more freedom and control when traversing rough terrain, as well as a lower likelihood of damaging your SUV’s undercarriage.
As a general rule, experts suggest a minimum ground clearance of 8.5 inches if you’re planning on taking your SUV off-road. For the Jeep Compass, this means that your only viable option is the Trailhawk trim level from 2017 to 2022 unless you’re very careful with one of the trims that are lower to the ground.
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Is the Jeep Compass a good off-road vehicle?
If you can get your hands on a Jeep Compass Trailhawk with a ground clearance of 8.5 to 8.6 inches, depending on the model year, this SUV is an affordable off-road option that’s more than capable of taking on a host of different terrains.
It’s not just the distance between your ride and the road (or lack thereof) that matters. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk features standard all-wheel drive, a 180-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and a Selec-Terrain traction management system boasting special modes designed to tackle snow, sand, mud, and rocks in addition to normal driving conditions.
Even better, the 2022 Compass Trailhawk features a Trail Rated badge, certifying its off-roading prowess, and an affordable price tag of only $34,150, making it a great choice when compared to other off-roading SUVs like the
Ford Bronco
and Toyota 4Runner
. Guard against accidents with the best Compass insurance
Just like your Jeep Compass is perfect for protecting you on your off-roading adventures, cheap and reliable car insurance is the best way to protect your Compass in return. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to find the
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