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The Most Affordable 200-HP SUV in America Offers Great Value for Power
2025-04-02 03:05:35
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Costs are rising in almost all aspects of our daily lives, and so seeking out a bargain has never been more important. This is especially true when it comes to cars, as they seemingly only ever get more expensive, both to buy in the first place, and to run and maintain, too. Fortunately, there are a number of cheap options out there, but unfortunately, the majority of them are usually lackluster and uninspiring – dropping all sense of character seems to be a forgivable sin, in exchange for saving a pocket full of dollars.
However, if you know where to look, there are cars out there in 2025 that deliver both an exciting drive and great value for money. The SUV under the spotlight throughout this article is one such model, beating everything else on the market in terms of power and price.
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Jeep
Jeep is a renowned SUV brand designed for off-road adventures, with its origins tracing back to World War II when vehicles of this type were referred to as jeeps, derived from the term GP, meaning General Purpose. Willys-Overland Motors popularized this concept by offering models for civilian purchase, establishing Jeep as the quintessential off-road brand. Over the years, classic models such as the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have become integral parts of the lineup. Today, Jeep proudly boasts the title of having the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in the United States, the Wrangler 4xe.
Founded
1943
Founder
Willys-Overland Motors
Headquarters
Toledo, Ohio
Owned By
Stellantis
Current CEO
Antonio Filosa
This piece highlights the most affordable SUV in America, which offers at least 200 horsepower. Utilizing data provided by manufacturers, we delve into the essential features of this horsepower deal, followed by a comparison with competing models in the same small SUV category.
An In-Depth Examination of the Jeep Compass Compact SUV
Despite being both the smallest and cheapest offering from the brand right now, the 2025 Jeep Compass is still every part a proper Jeep, with standard all-wheel-drive, typical and traditional Jeep styling, plus plenty of equipment inside. The entry-level grade, dubbed the Sport, is kitted out with an 8.4-inch central display, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but for a more luxurious experience, you'd be better off choosing from the Latitude grade and above. Here, features such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel add an extra level of refinement to the Compass ownership experience.
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2025 Jeep Compass
Base Trim Maximum Towing Capacity
2,000 lbs.
Base MSRP
$25,900
Base Trim Engine
2L I4 ICE
Base Trim Drivetrain
Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Horsepower
200 HP @5000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
221 lb.-ft. @ 1750 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
24/32/27 MPG
Keeping things simple, for 2025 Jeep only offers four different grades, with Limited and Trailhawk models completing the set in addition to the aforementioned grades. The Limited trim is packed full of creature comforts and styling upgrades, whereas the Trailhawk is Jeep's most capable Compass. In order to succeed off-road, the all-wheel-drive Trailhawk sports Falken all-terrain tires, a traction management system, with snow and rock modes, and hill descent control, among other features.
All four grades are equipped with the same turbocharged inline-four engine, which delivers impressive power and efficiency, boasting an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 27 MPG.
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Beneath the Surface: The Jeep Compass Delivers 'Top-Tier' Performance
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Key Engine & Performance Specs
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Power
200 horsepower
Torque
221 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph
7.5 seconds
Jeep confidently asserts that the Jeep Compass boasts "best-in-class standard horsepower," thanks to its sole engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. This engine delivers a peak performance of exactly 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for this compact SUV.
The Jeep Compass was quite a disappointing vehicle to drive when it relied solely on a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Fortunately, Jeep upgraded the model in 2023 by making the turbocharged four-cylinder engine standard, revitalizing the performance of this once lackluster car. — Gerhard Horn, Senior Editor.
Thanks to its lively four-cylinder engine, the Compass delivers a commendable performance, achieving 60 mph from a complete stop in only 7.5 seconds. This makes it notably faster than several other compact SUVs, including the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. Although it may not be the most rugged Jeep available, the Compass still boasts a respectable towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs, which is impressive for a vehicle of its dimensions.
Despite now being in its eighth year as a second-gen model, the Compass has remained impressively fresh-faced, with a series of upgrades keeping the aging model relevant. It is starting to show its age in other areas, and will struggle to keep up with newer models like the recently introduced 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Pricing: The 2025 Jeep Compass Offers Remarkable Affordability
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Jeep
One of the real appeals of the 2025 Jeep Compass is its inherent affordability. Cash buyers need not dip as deeply into their pockets as other brands would insist, as Jeep asks for just $25,900 in exchange for a brand-new 2025 Compass. That nets you the cheapest 200-horsepower SUV in America, in the entry-level but adequately equipped Sport trim. If, like many of us, you're not in a position to shell out almost $26,000 in cash, then not to worry, as Jeep provides a number of affordable and enticing purchase options.
2025 Jeep Compass Buying Promotions
2025 Jeep Compass Latitude is available at $335 per month over 42 months on a low-mileage lease
Finance for 6.9% over 72 months
Available $3,000 total cash allowance available on a 2025 Jeep Compass Latitude
Currently advertised by Jeep for returning FCA US LLC lessees is an attractive lease deal, which provides a new Latitude model for just $335 per month. It's a low-mileage lease over 42 months, with $3,935 due at signing, but this is still a fairly pain-free and affordable entry-point into new car ownership, and the cheapest way of securing a 2025 model year Jeep. Other currently available purchase options include low-rate financing at 6.9% APR, over terms as long as 72 months, plus a $3,000 total cash allowance is up for grabs too.
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Connected
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Here's a Comparison of the Jeep Compass Against Major Competitors
Affordable SUV Comparison
Model
2025 Jeep Compass
2025 Mazda CX-5
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
2.5-liter inline-four
2.0-liter inline-four
1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three
Power
200 horsepower
187 horsepower
152 horsepower
181 horsepower
Starting Price
$25,900
$28,570
$25,195
$29,995
Jeep's Compass might be the cheapest 200-horsepower SUV in America right now, but there are cheaper alternatives, although not by much. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek makes a good argument for itself, with an asking price $705 south of the Jeep's. Furthermore, the Subaru also comes with all-wheel-drive as standard, making it another great option for those who prefer to take the less-trodden path. Where it loses out, though, is under the hood, as Subaru's Crosstrek only just musters up 75% of the Jeep's 200 horsepower.
One model which also boasts genuine off-road capability is the stylish Ford Bronco Sport, which is available in a multitude of capable trims, each powered by a hard-working boosted inline-three, although a more potent four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is available as an option, too. Even without the more powerful engine, though, the Bronco is notably more expensive than the Compass, with an MSRP that kicks off at just a smidgen under $30,000. Sure, it's a much newer design, but if value is the key factor, then the Bronco Sport just can't compete with the Compass.
Similarly, neither can the sleek Mazda CX-5, which not only misses out on a few all-important horsepower, as the Ford does, but it too costs a considerable amount more than the wallet-friendly Jeep.
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