The Compass' unibody platform and respectable but less ambitious ground clearance make its floor lower and its cabin easier to enter than any of the other Jeeps'. The standard upholstery is a stain-repellent cloth, and leather is an option; either can be equipped with seat heaters. The interior is two-tone, but the base Compass is short on convenience features. Air conditioning and power windows, mirrors and door locks are optional. A tilt steering wheel is standard, and the center console armrest is designed to slide forward 3 inches to serve shorter drivers — yet a driver's seat height adjustment is optional.

A 60/40-split, folding, reclining backseat and a fold-flat front passenger seat are both options. An AM/FM/CD stereo is standard; a six-CD changer is optional. High-level options include a tire-pressure-monitoring system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather steering wheel with stereo controls and a Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a two-speaker module that can be swung down from the raised liftgate to aim backward and really annoy the picnickers next to you.