2021 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Jeep Compass – Comparing Small SUVs

If you’ve decided you’d like to drive a small SUV, two options you can choose from are the GM Terrain and Jeep Compass. Both vehicles offer a wide range of standard and additional features for buyers to select. Let’s see how the two models stack up against each other.

Engine and Driving Performance

The 2021 GMC Terrain is equipped with a 1.5-liter V-4 turbocharged engine as standard. You have the option of upgrading to a 2.0-liter V-4 turbocharged engine if you’re looking for a bit more power and speed. With the 2.0-liter engine, your Terrain will be able to move from zero to 60 mph in around 6.8 seconds, compared to the 8.9 seconds you’ll need if you opt for the 1.5-liter engine.

As for the Compass, it’s also equipped with a V-4 engine that’s capable of giving you 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The standard engine for the compass is a 2.4-liter V-4. Jeep’s classic seven-spoke grill features prominently on the front end. The Compass also possesses off-roading capabilities, including an all-wheel-drive option and various driving modes to improve performance. These modes include mud, sand, and snow. If you choose all-wheel drive, your Compass will be powered by a nine-speed automatic. Otherwise, the standard transmission for front-wheel-drive models is a six-speed automatic.

Towing Capacity

Your choice of engine for the 2021 Terrain has quite an impact on its towing capacity. If you go for the 1.5-liter V-4 for your crossover, your towing capacity will be 1,500 pounds. However, by upgrading to the 2.0-liter engine, you can more than double your Terrain’s towing limit to 3.500 pounds.

With the Compass, your towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. If towing trailers off-road is something you do regularly, you can opt for the Jeep Compass towing package, which adds additional features to help you tow more securely. These include a wiring harness and a Class III tow hitch receiver.

Interior and Seating

The 2021 Terrain seats a maximum of five. If you’re planning to carry a lot of cargo around, the rear seat has a 60/40 split for folding flat, meaning you can seat a second passenger in the rear while taking advantage of the additional storage capacity. If that’s not enough, you also have the option of folding the entire back row of seats and the front passenger seat flat to obtain the largest possible amount of storage capacity in your small SUV.

Two adults will comfortably fit in the Terrain’s rear row as passengers. In terms of entertainment, the Terrain’s standard package includes Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility, a 7-inch screen, and two USB ports. You can increase the size of the screen if you purchase the SLE trim or above.

Also capable of seating five, the Compass possesses a 60/40-split rear bench so you can fold it down if you need to create extra space. The rear seats have sufficient legroom and back support to sit adult passengers. The Compass is equipped with Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system across all trims, which includes a USB port and additional input ports.

Driving Assistance and Safety

The GM Terrain offers you an impressive range of safety features. Both automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring come standard. If you’re looking for additional assistance options, you can opt for adaptive cruise control to make your long drives on the highway that bit more relaxing.

None of the driver assistance features on the Compass come standard on the base trim, so you will need to select extra packages or choose one of the higher trims in the lineup. You can add automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Warranty

The 2021 GM Terrain comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty. You also get a five-year or 60,000-mile warranty on the nine-speed power train. On top of that, you can take advantage of complimentary maintenance during your first visit.

As part of the Jeep Wave maintenance program, the Compass comes with three years of free maintenance. You also get a three-year limited warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile warranty on the power train.

Trims

The 2021 Terrain is available in SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims. If you want your Terrain to be fitted with the 2.0-liter engine, you’ll need to go for the SLT or Denali trims. The Denali comes with an upgraded infotainment system as standard equipment, including a slightly larger 8.4-inch screen. However, you’ll still have access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you choose the SlE or SLT trims.

The higher trims also allow you to upgrade the interior with leather upholstery, add a dual-zone climate control system to the cabin, and fit 18-inch wheels to your vehicle. To get built-in navigation, you should opt for the top-of-the-line Denali trim. A final option worth noting is improved towing stability, which will help you feel more secure when you’re towing a trailer or other large item.

There are four main trims in the Compass lineup: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. The 2021 Compass also has an 80th-Anniversary edition featuring some extra design features. If off-roading is your thing, you may want to opt for the Trailhawk trim, which offers off-roading tires, enhanced suspension, and undercarriage protection. The Limited and Trailhawk trims will also give you access to a larger screen for the Uconnect infotainment system. On some trims, you can add heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for additional comfort, or add a rearview camera, that makes it easier to hitch up your trailer.

So, there you have it! We’ve taken you through the main features you’ll find on the 2021 GM Terrain and 2021 Jeep Compass, and compared the two crossovers. Have we been able to answer all your questions? Is there anything else you’d like to know about the Terrain’s specs? Here at #1 Cochran Buick-GMC Youngstown, we’re ready to help you by guiding you through your next auto purchase. Contact our team today to get behind the wheel of a new SUV.