2025 Honda HR-V vs 2025 Jeep Compass

Subcompact SUVs are extremely popular with a variety of drivers nowadays, especially those who want to drive a vehicle that’s a bit more spacious and exhibits better visibility yet isn’t too big. These models are the perfect size for many, including daily commuters, new drivers, and even small families, but when it comes to figuring out which one is right for you, it can be a challenge. After all, there are many options out on the roads these days from virtually every automaker, which means that you’ll need to do some research and give your needs behind the wheel some thought before you make this important purchase. The Honda HR-V is known for its exceptional reliability, top-notch engineering, and remarkable safety, making it a great choice for drivers near and far. Another is the Jeep Compass, recognized for its rugged styling, Jeep ferocity, and the fearless persona we’ve come to expect in models from this particular brand.

Despite the fact that the Compass had the jump on the HR-V by almost a decade, as it made its debut for the 2007 model year and the HR-V debuted for 2016, it doesn’t mean that the Compass is the better pick. The HR-V showcases solid ride quality, a well-laid-out cabin, and plenty of features to enhance your journey, especially when safety is concerned. The Compass is a suitable commuter companion but may not jive with the needs of every driver, especially with its more rugged appeal. When it comes to the 2025 Honda HR-V vs 2025 Jeep Compass, we want you to understand the differences between these two subcompact SUVs in the areas of performance, trim selection, and safety. This way, you can choose the best model to make your everyday travels better than you ever envisioned.

Drivers who are interested in a subcompact SUV are typically drawn to these vehicles not only because they’re easy to drive and handle like sedans but also because they’re excellent on gas, allowing you to make your way to work each day without having to waste time and money at the pump.

This is especially the case for the 2025 Honda HR-V, which is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that’s both efficient and exciting on the road. It surges forward with 158 horses at the ready, allowing you to enjoy your ride, even if you’re only heading into the office for the day. What draws drivers to this vehicle is its fuel economy ratings, as the 2025 HR-V is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, making it a fabulous choice for drivers frequently hitting rush hour traffic.^[b]

Like the HR-V, the 2025 Jeep Compass is another easy-to-drive small vehicle, but it is armed with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This is not quite as efficient as the HR-V, as it is rated for 24 MPG in the city. If you want to maximize your experience on packed city streets, you’ll want the HR-V in charge of your journey.

Another area where the HR-V and the Compass differ is when it comes to ride quality, as the HR-V is known for its satisfying handling and smooth driving demeanor. It’s armed with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension to make for the most responsive ride possible, showcasing undeniable control and a level of agility that you can’t find in just any SUV. In addition to its smooth driving dynamics, the HR-V can be equipped with Real Time AWD, which allows you to harness impeccable traction and stability in challenging conditions. With a dedicated Snow Mode, the HR-V can effortlessly traverse snowy and slippery road conditions, limiting wheel spin and reducing pedal sensitivity so that you can travel with ultimate confidence, even when Mother Nature wreaks havoc on your commute home after work.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Jeep Compass, which can be a bit harsh to drive, especially when it comes to steering and braking. It’s true that Jeeps are designed to explore, which often limits their comfort on the pavement, and the Compass leans this way, especially in its Trailhawk trim, which comes with noisy all-terrain tires. All-wheel drive comes standard in the Compass, which does affect fuel efficiency, so if you want the choice to opt for AWD capabilities or not, as well as a smoother, more responsive ride, the HR-V is the better pick here.

There’s a nice selection of trims available in the Honda HR-V’s inventory for 2025, with three distinctive trims to choose from, keeping this decision simple. It’s difficult to choose a trim when you have too many options, and we appreciate the fact that Honda chooses to keep it simple. Let’s meet the HR-V’s trims.

EX-L
The top-of-the-line HR-V is the EX-L, which features premium appointments and has an elegant air about it that makes any daily commute a more satisfying venture. With leather-trimmed seats, a one-touch power moonroof, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the EX-L wraps you in comfort and refinement to elevate the quality of your ride in every way. Outside, 17-inch alloy wheels, a roofline spoiler, and LED lighting elements make the HR-V feel more upscale than its price would suggest, making it a solid choice for drivers who are in the market for an affordable and fully loaded SUV.

Sport
Those craving a more athletic ambiance during their travels will gravitate toward the Sport trim, which showcases 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust finisher, and gloss black side mirrors to enhance its feisty persona. Inside, you can expect to enjoy comfortable cloth upholstery with exclusive orange stitching and heated front seats to intensify tranquility on board.

LX
The entry-level LX trim is a fantastic welcome to the world of the HR-V, with cozy cloth appointments inside and LED lighting elements outside, plus plenty of tech to elevate the ride, all for a price that’s reasonable and fits into a multitude of budgets. Unlike the Compass, it also comes standard with a full suite of driver-assist features.

The Jeep Compass emits a whole different set of vibes, which may not mesh with every driver’s needs. It’s a bit more rugged and a bit more commanding, making it more for folks who are a bit on the adventurous side. Let’s explore the Compass’ available trims.

Limited
This top-tier Limited trim is the Compass’ way of surrounding you in a high-end atmosphere. It offers a two-tone color palette outside, with a gloss black roof, as well as 18-inch wheels. Inside, it showcases leatherette heated front seats and a heated steering wheel to promote a comfortable ambiance on board. Lacking real leather, it’s not quite on par with the level of elegance that the HR-V EX-L offers, but it still strives to meet the needs of discerning drivers.

Trailhawk
In true Jeep fashion, the Compass can be equipped to handle the elements, which may or may not be your cup of tea. Subcompact SUV drivers aren’t typically in the market for a Trail Rated off-road suspension, multiple skid plates, and all-terrain tires on their vehicles, but that’s what you get in the Trailhawk.

Latitude
The Compass’ mid-level trim, the Latitude, features cloth and vinyl bucket seats and a premium wrapped steering wheel to make for a comfortable ride. Outside, it offers 17-inch alloy wheels and clean bodywork, making it a little bit more in line with what this demographic is looking for in their vehicles.

Sport
The final Compass trim is the entry-level Sport, which features just the bare necessities for your ride. You can expect a more simplistic experience inside this base trim, and it’s missing many features drivers have come to expect, like keyless entry and adaptive cruise control. However, those who don’t require much in their vehicles and want a budget-friendly option might be drawn to this particular option.

Vehicles these days are extremely safe, as they are armed with advanced driver assist systems to improve the quality of the journey in more ways than one. This is especially true when it comes to the 2025 Honda HR-V, as it’s recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with its superior Honda Sensing safety suite and helpful features to maximize the quality and integrity of the ride.^[c] From a Collision Mitigation Braking System to a Road Departure Mitigation System, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and more, the HR-V is a top pick for those who prioritize safety during their travels.

Unfortunately, the 2025 Jeep Compass did not make its way onto the IIHS Top Safety Pick list this year, which can be a dealbreaker for safe travelers. It is armed with favorable safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance; however, features that are standard on the HR-V, like adaptive cruise control, are only available on the higher trims of the Compass. Pair this with the fact that it’s not a Top Safety Pick, and you’ll see why many drivers pass the Compass by in favor of other safer options.

Both the HR-V and the Compass showcase a selection of assistance tech to help enhance enjoyment and promote ample confidence behind the wheel. In the HR-V, you can take advantage of parking sensors to help make quick work out of even the trickiest streetside space, as well as a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, which allows you to back up with absolute certainty, even in bustling parking lots. Walk Away Auto Lock automatically locks the HR-V’s doors when you get a certain distance away from your vehicle so that you don’t have to worry about locking up when you arrive at your destination. You’ll find some similar driver assistance aids in the Compass, including parking help and rain-sensing wipers; however, the lack of standard safety features and the fact that it’s not one of the safest subcompact SUVs on the road takes away from the fact that it offers a nice amount of assistance features.

When you want to take advantage of a fantastic selection of vehicles, as well as a team that prioritizes you from the moment you arrive, you’ll find all of that and more here with us. Many everyday drivers are drawn to subcompact SUVs, and the HR-V is an incredible pick. If you want to experience the HR-V for yourself, we invite you to stop by and take one for a test drive to discover its smooth driving demeanor, comfortably spacious interior, and top-notch safety features.

In addition to our fabulous array of top-quality models, you’ll get to enjoy a fantastic financing experience with great rates, top value for trade-in vehicles, and a no-nonsense, stress-free approach to crafting your ideal payment plan. We continue to work for you long after your initial purchase, offering service and maintenance to keep your HR-V running smoothly. If you want an amazing buying experience, head to Ralph Honda and get ready to be more than satisfied with every aspect of the process.