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The Honda CR-V reigns as the segment leader here for those who don't plan to go off-road; it's going to be completely redesigned for 2012, with expected improvements in refinement.
Among other compact crossovers, the only other one—other than the Compass's Jeep Patriot sibling—to offer a locking center differential is the Toyota RAV4, and none of them offer a lower drive ratio as enabled with both of these Jeep models' optional Freedom Drive II system.
Some also won't like the RAV4's spare tire mounted at the back hatch.
For those who never plan to go off-road, the Nissan Rogue might be the closest rival to the the 2011 Jeep Compass; it also has a four-cylinder engine and a CVT for its powertrain.
Even though Nissan uses the same CVT, it works much better in the Rogue, while the Rogue's interior feels a bit warmer and more family-oriented.
The Ford Escape is a dated, though competent rival to the Compass; and on the road, it's a much more substantial vehicle that offers V-6 and gas/electric hybrid power in addition to a four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic.
The Hyundai Tucson is a slightly smaller alternative, with an efficient four-cylinder engine and a stylish, contemporary exterior.
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 2012 Jeep CompassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai TucsonBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan RogueBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2012 Jeep Compass looks pretty good—and its combination of versatile interior, mild off-road ability, and reasonably good gas mileage make it even more attractive—but it simply fails to feel cohesive, responsive, or refined. |
If you're keen on green in crossover form, the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid earns good gas-mileage ratings, but its styling and handling are showing their age. |
The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs. |
One of the most improved crossovers, the 2012 Hyundai Tucson has size and value in its corner. |
The 2012 Nissan Rogue's comfortable ride and versatile layout make it a good fit for a value-conscious small families--but it's far from exciting to drive. |
The unlikely Toyota-Tesla partnership has produced what may just be the best battery-electric vehicle below Tesla's own Model S luxury sedan. Its power, 100 miles of real-world range, and interior space add up to a very appealing electric crossover. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $19,295 | $21,440 | $22,495 | $19,145 | $22,070 | $22,650 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility | FWD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||||
| FWD 4-Door Sport | FWD 4-Door XLS | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door Manual GL | FWD 4-Door S | FWD 4-Door I4 (SE) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door Sport Utility | Sport Utility | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Automatic | Manual | Continuously variable ratio | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Jeep Compass vs. 2012 Ford Escape | 2012 Jeep Compass vs. 2012 Honda CR-V | 2012 Jeep Compass vs. 2012 Hyundai Tucson | 2012 Jeep Compass vs. 2012 Nissan Rogue | 2012 Jeep Compass vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
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