Jeep Compass vs. Cherokee: A Deep Dive into Interior Space and Comfort
The Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of off-road capability, modern features, and comfortable interiors. However, they cater to different needs, particularly when it comes to interior space. If you’re considering either of these vehicles, understanding their interior dimensions and cargo capacity is crucial for making the right choice. This in-depth review will compare the interior space of the Jeep Compass and Cherokee, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in terms of passenger comfort, cargo room, and overall practicality.
Overall Size and Positioning
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand where these SUVs fit within the Jeep lineup. The Compass is positioned as a more compact and affordable option, targeting buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and maneuverability. The Cherokee, on the other hand, is slightly larger and more premium, offering more power, features, and interior space. This difference in size and positioning directly impacts the interior experience.
Front Seat Comfort and Space
Both the Jeep Compass and Cherokee offer comfortable front seats, but there are subtle differences in the amount of space available.
- Jeep Compass: The Compass provides adequate headroom and legroom for most drivers and passengers. The seats are generally supportive, and the driving position is comfortable for both short commutes and longer road trips. However, taller drivers might find the legroom a bit tight, especially on longer journeys.
- Headroom (Front): 39.2 inches
- Legroom (Front): 41.8 inches
- Shoulder Room (Front): 56.7 inches
- Hip Room (Front): 54.1 inches
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee offers more generous front-seat dimensions, providing a more spacious and comfortable experience for both the driver and passenger. Taller individuals will appreciate the extra legroom and headroom. The seats are also more contoured and offer better support, making them ideal for long drives.
- Headroom (Front): 39.4 inches
- Legroom (Front): 41.1 inches
- Shoulder Room (Front): 57.6 inches
- Hip Room (Front): 53.8 inches
While the legroom is slightly less in the Cherokee, the other dimensions provide a generally more spacious feel.
Rear Seat Comfort and Space
The rear seat is where the differences between the Compass and Cherokee become more pronounced.
- Jeep Compass: The Compass offers adequate rear-seat space for two adults, but it can feel cramped with three passengers. Legroom is limited, especially for taller adults, and the rear seat is not as comfortable as the front seats. The sloping roofline can also impact headroom for taller passengers.
- Headroom (Rear): 38.5 inches
- Legroom (Rear): 38.3 inches
- Shoulder Room (Rear): 55.1 inches
- Hip Room (Rear): 49.2 inches
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee provides significantly more rear-seat legroom and overall space compared to the Compass. Three adults can sit more comfortably in the Cherokee’s rear seat, and the seats are more supportive. The Cherokee is a better choice for families who frequently transport rear-seat passengers.
- Headroom (Rear): 39.9 inches
- Legroom (Rear): 40.3 inches
- Shoulder Room (Rear): 55.1 inches
- Hip Room (Rear): 49.9 inches
The Cherokee’s extra rear legroom is a major advantage for passengers.
Cargo Space and Versatility
Cargo space is another area where the Cherokee outshines the Compass.
- Jeep Compass: The Compass offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size, but it’s not as generous as some of its competitors. The cargo area is adequate for grocery shopping or weekend trips, but it may not be sufficient for larger families or those who frequently transport bulky items.
- Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats: 27.2 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume with Rear Seats Folded: 59.8 cubic feet
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee provides significantly more cargo space than the Compass. The larger cargo area can easily accommodate luggage, sports equipment, or other bulky items. The Cherokee is a better choice for those who need to haul cargo regularly.
- Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats: 25.8 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume with Rear Seats Folded: 54.7 cubic feet
While on paper the compass has a higher cubic feet number, the cherokee makes better use of its space.
Interior Design and Quality
Both the Compass and Cherokee feature well-designed interiors with quality materials. However, the Cherokee generally offers a more premium feel.
- Jeep Compass: The Compass interior is modern and functional, with a clean design and user-friendly controls. The materials are generally of good quality, but some hard plastics are present. The Compass offers a range of available features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and leather upholstery.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee interior is more upscale and refined, with higher-quality materials and a more sophisticated design. The Cherokee offers a wider range of available features, including a larger touchscreen display, premium audio systems, and advanced safety technologies.
Practicality and Everyday Use
When it comes to practicality, both the Compass and Cherokee offer a range of features that enhance everyday use.
- Jeep Compass: The Compass is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a good choice for city driving. The available features, such as the rearview camera and parking sensors, make parking and maneuvering easier. The Compass also offers good fuel economy, making it an affordable option for daily commutes.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, making it ideal for long road trips. The available features, such as the adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, enhance safety and convenience. The Cherokee also offers more towing capacity than the Compass, making it a better choice for those who need to haul trailers or other equipment.
Conclusion: Which SUV is Right for You?
The choice between the Jeep Compass and Cherokee depends on your individual needs and priorities.
- Choose the Jeep Compass if:
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability.
- You need a compact SUV that is easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
- You don’t need a lot of rear-seat legroom or cargo space.
- You prefer a more budget-friendly option.
- Choose the Jeep Cherokee if:
- You need more rear-seat legroom and cargo space.
- You want a more premium and refined interior.
- You prioritize comfort and a more spacious driving experience.
- You need more towing capacity.
- You are willing to spend more for a more capable and luxurious SUV.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and compare their features and interior space firsthand. Consider your typical passenger and cargo needs, as well as your budget and driving preferences. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose the Jeep SUV that best fits your lifestyle.
