The 2024 Compass Sport price starts at $25,900 MSRP and offers five trim levels. The Honda HRV LX price starts at 24,600 MSRP and offers three trim levels.

With these two small SUVs starting out close in price, the question is: which one earns its keep?

Value for your money is a big part of car ownership. After all, your ride is an essential part of life in Arizona. You spend a lot of time in it, and naturally you want it to be as well-appointed and comfortable as it can be. Here’s what you should know.

1. The Basics and Beyond

   Let’s start with the basics. US News and World Report writes that the Jeep Compass has an impressive list of standard features, and it says the same of the Honda HR-V.

    They both have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of their infotainment system. However, the HRV starts out with a 7-inch screen and upgrades that to a 9-inch screen in some models. More generously appointed, the Jeep Compass comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Sometimes bigger really is better.

    Furthermore, UConnect5 is one of the most advanced infotainment systems, giving the Jeep driver the fastest responses. Both come with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, but only Jeep is offering a 10.25 digital instrument screen.

    You can get a panoramic sunroof on the Compass, too, because like any good Jeep, it wants to let the world into the cabin. Other Jeep favorites include a hands-free liftgate, 8-way power adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. To check out more Compass prices, see our current inventory.

2. Driver Assistance and Collision Avoidance

   A blind spot monitor is an important Compass standard. This driver assist feature is extra on the Honda HRV. Both have a forward collision avoidance system, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

    Other Jeep features include a driver attention monitor, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, and a rear seat alert. In addition to a rear view camera, the Jeep Compass has a standard rear cross traffic alert, another extra on the Honda.

    Jeep is now offering Active Driving Assist. This goes beyond the adaptive cruise control to do more of the driving tasks.

3. Compass vs HRV Spaciousness

   Despite being labeled a subcompact SUV, the 2024 Honda HRV is about five inches longer than the Compass. This means that parking is slightly more challenging.

   What’s interesting is that the Compass has a bigger cabin and a bigger cargo hold. To achieve those numbers, it is taller and slightly wider than the HRV.  

   Thanks to its higher passenger volume, Compass rear seats have more wiggle room. That’s always a plus for passengers. Clearly this is why the Compass is called a Compact SUV rather than a subcompact.  

   Furthermore the standard cargo area is bigger in the Jeep. Even when it comes to how much weight the Compass can handle, the Jeep continues to surge ahead in this Compass vs HRV comparison.  

   The HR-V comes in LX, Sport, and EX-L trims. The Jeep Compass starts with the Sport trim level. Then it offers more ways to enjoy life behind the wheel: Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited and Trailhawk trims.  

4. Jeep vs Honda Drivability

   If the driving experience is important to you, you should know that the Compass is a much better SUV for drivers. Both it and the Honda have a 2-Liter Inline Four engine. What sets the Jeep apart is that its engine is an intercooled turbo.

   The Jeep Compass has 42 more horses under the hood. It has a whopping 83 extra lb-ft of torque. Obviously it’s a lot more fun to punch the accelerator in the Jeep Compass vs Honda HR-V. 

    When it comes to fuel economy, the Compass has remarkable numbers considering its all-wheel drivetrain. Plus it can pause the engine when traffic is fully stopped. Learn more about the new Compass in this new model overview.

5. 7-Slot Grille Sport and Adventure

   When it comes to sport and adventure, the Compass is eager to earn its seven-slot grille. This ride is made for an active lifestyle in a way that the Honda HRV just cannot match.

   The Jeep has standard all-wheel drive and better ground clearance compared to Honda front-wheel drive models. Naturally this Jeep offers skid plates, all terrain tires, and other trail equipment, too. Honda does offer all-wheel drive, but it doesn’t expect you to take the HRV off road.  

   A Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds while towing isn’t even recommended for the Honda HRV. This is quite significant since tow ratings represent a vehicle’s proven strength as well as adventure capabilities. 

Conclusion

If you like to get the most for your automotive dollar, you definitely want to start your car shopping by taking a test drive of the 2024 Jeep Compass. It is much bigger, much faster, and much sportier than the Honda HRV. Schedule now.