Ford Explorer Vs Jeep Compass Showdown: Discovering The Ultimate Off-road Beast

In the realm of midsize SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Compass. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of rugged capability, spacious interiors, and advanced technology. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Explorer vs Jeep Compass against each other, examining their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Capability: A Tale of Two Powerhouses

1. Engine Options and Power:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer boasts a range of engine options, including a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3L Hybrid V6. Power outputs vary from 300 horsepower to 400 horsepower.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass offers two engine choices: a 2.4L Tigershark I-4 and a 1.3L turbocharged I-4. These engines produce 180 horsepower and 177 horsepower, respectively.

2. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s towing capacity ranges from 5,300 pounds to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. Its payload capacity maxes out at 1,800 pounds.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,550 pounds.

3. Off-Road Performance:

• Ford Explorer: With its available all-wheel drive system, the Explorer offers impressive off-road capability. The Terrain Management System allows drivers to select different driving modes for optimal performance in various conditions.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass is known for its legendary off-road prowess. Its Trailhawk trim features a more advanced all-wheel drive system, skid plates, and increased ground clearance for tackling challenging terrain.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Adventure and Relaxation

1. Seating and Cargo Capacity:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. Its cargo capacity ranges from 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass seats up to five passengers, providing generous space for front and rear occupants. Its cargo area offers 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and expands to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

2. Interior Features and Amenities:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s cabin is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Higher trim levels offer premium features like heated and cooled front seats, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a hands-free liftgate.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass features a modern and functional interior with an easy-to-use infotainment system, supportive seats, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Available features include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system.

Safety and Technology: A Focus on Protection and Connectivity

1. Safety Features:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims add features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass also offers a comprehensive range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a rear cross-traffic alert system.

2. Infotainment and Connectivity:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s infotainment system features a large touchscreen display, intuitive controls, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and a premium audio system.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass’s infotainment system features a user-friendly interface, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offer a larger touchscreen display and a premium audio system.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost: Finding the Right Balance

1. Fuel Efficiency:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The most fuel-efficient Explorer is the Hybrid model, which offers up to 28 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass offers better fuel efficiency than the Explorer. The base 2.4L engine returns up to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the 1.3L turbocharged engine offers up to 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

2. Pricing and Value:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s starting price is higher than the Jeep Compass, ranging from around $33,000 to $60,000. However, it offers more standard features and a wider range of engine options.
• Jeep Compass: The Compass starts at a lower price point, ranging from around $25,000 to $35,000. It offers a more affordable option for buyers who prioritize value and fuel efficiency.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict – Ford Explorer vs Jeep Compass

In the battle of the Ford Explorer vs Jeep Compass, both vehicles offer compelling strengths and appeal to different types of buyers. The Ford Explorer excels in terms of performance, towing capability, and interior space. It’s the ideal choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts who need a versatile and capable SUV. The Jeep Compass, on the other hand, offers better fuel efficiency, a more affordable price tag, and legendary off-road capability. It’s a great choice for adventure seekers and urban dwellers who value maneuverability and affordability.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Compass depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Consider factors such as seating capacity, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability to determine which SUV best suits your lifestyle and driving requirements.

Popular Questions

1. Q: Which SUV has better off-road capability, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Compass?
A: The Jeep Compass, particularly the Trailhawk trim, offers superior off-road capability with its advanced all-wheel drive system, skid plates, and increased ground clearance.

2. Q: Which SUV has more seating capacity, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Compass?
A: The Ford Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers, while the Jeep Compass seats up to five passengers.

3. Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Compass?
A: The Jeep Compass offers better fuel efficiency than the Ford Explorer, with its base engine delivering up to 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

4. Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Compass?
A: The Ford Explorer offers more cargo space than the Jeep Compass, with a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet compared to the Compass’s 59.8 cubic feet.

5. Q: Which SUV has more advanced safety features, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Compass?
A: Both the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Compass offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the Explorer may have additional features available in higher trim levels.