2025 Honda HR-V vs 2025 Jeep Compass: Find the Right Subcompact Crossover for Your Daily Drive

Small crossover SUVs have become the most popular type of automobile in the US, accounting for roughly one-third of all vehicle sales. The Honda HR-V and Jeep Compass are affordable options in the segment, and each is backed by an automaker known for reliable, tough, and versatile machines. It’s no surprise, then, that people often find themselves trying to choose between these models when shopping for a small but robust vehicle.

Which small SUV should be your new chariot? We have compared the 2025 Honda HR-V vs 2025 Jeep Compass, putting them head-to-head in some of the most important categories that shoppers consider. Although the SUV segment is often connected to off-roading, subcompact models also need to be great daily drivers. In this regard, the Honda HR-V consistently emerges as the more practical option. Let’s look at why this is the case.

More Efficient for All Your Driving Needs

Wherever the day is taking you—work, the store, a far-away concert, or somewhere else—you want to go as far as possible before filling up. The Honda HR-V offers superior fuel economy, so you can drive more and spend less. With front-wheel drive, the 2025 HR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined with 26 MPG in the city.^[a] The 2025 Jeep Compass is only available with all-wheel drive and musters just 27 MPG combined and 24 MPG in the city. That adds up to the HR-V going nearly 30 miles more between gas stops, which makes a big difference for busy drivers.

But wait, you say: what about when the HR-V is equipped with all-wheel drive like the Compass? According to EPA estimates, this configuration still matches the Jeep Compass’s 27 MPG combined and does better downtown with 25 MPG in the city.^[a] The total range remains better as well at 378 miles vs 364 miles. You’ll arrive at your destination faster and cheaper by choosing the Honda HR-V. A more efficient vehicle that costs less upfront is a win-win scenario that helps you save money for as long as you own it.

Tuned for a Great Ride

The 2025 Jeep Compass is born from the automaker’s rich history of off-roading. That’s fine for some drivers, but as we said earlier, a subcompact compact crossover needs to be good on the road. In this category, the 2025 Honda HR-V scores a walkaway victory. It shares its platform with the Honda Civic, so you know you’re in for some great handling on pavement. This comes from a fully independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, a multi-link rear suspension, and dual stabilizer bars. The Honda HR-V limits body roll for passenger comfort, and the on-demand all-wheel drive provides bad-weather grip.

Conversely, many drivers have noted that while the Jeep Compass also has an independent suspension, it doesn’t do well on older pavement, leading to a bumpy ride. While the HR-V has pinpoint steering, the Compass feels fuzzy at the controls. Jeep’s entry also has an eight-speed automatic transmission that can be finicky and is nowhere near as smooth as the HR-V’s continuously variable transmission. Most of your driving time will be spent on main and side roads, and the HR-V will give you a far better experience on these surfaces.

More Features to Let You Enjoy the Journey

Are you looking for convenience and comfort in your subcompact crossover? Look no further than the 2025 Honda HR-V. In terms of both standard and optional features, it outperforms the Jeep Compass. Check out some of the advantages of Honda’s small SUV:

• The 2025 Honda HR-V includes standard keyless entry, push-button start, full LED lighting, and more—none of which is offered as a standard feature on the Jeep Compass.
• The Honda HR-V is the only vehicle of the two to have a standard moonroof on any trim, including a moonroof on the HR-V EX-L. Moonroofs are available on certain Jeep Compass trims but cost extra.
• The HR-V EX-L is also the only trim in the bunch with standard genuine leather upholstery. The closest the 2025 Jeep Compass can offer is the Limited, which has leatherette trim that can be upgraded to leather.

A Safer Vehicle for Family and Friends

No matter where you go, you want to get there and back in one piece. The 2025 Honda HR-V is a leader of the subcompact crossover pack when it comes to safety—it proudly holds the honors of receiving an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.^[b][c] Every HR-V trim has a slew of passive safety equipment, including Vehicle Stability Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, LED daytime running lights, and plenty of airbags. The Honda Sensing driver assistance suite includes nine standard features:

• Auto High-Beam Headlights
• Forward Collision Warning
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Lane Departure Warning
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition System

Higher trims are also equipped with a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and Low-Speed Braking Control. It’s a remarkable loadout, so drivers have all hands on deck.

The 2025 Jeep Compass is solid but can’t compete with the Honda HR-V on the safety front. It only has a four-star NHTSA overall safety rating and was not recognized by the IIHS—and when you’re talking about transporting loved ones, that isn’t good enough. The Compass has virtually the same passive safety gear as the HR-V, but there are only four standard driver assistance features: automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. To get any other driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, you must pay extra. Honda takes safety seriously, and the 2025 Honda HR-V lets you feel confident in any situation.

Try the 2025 Honda HR-V at Ralph Honda

As you can see, the 2025 Honda HR-V is made to get you where you need to go. While the Jeep Compass may be better for off-roading, the efficiency, smoothness, convenience, and safety of the Honda HR-V make it the smart choice for daily driving and road trips. The advantages we’ve talked about here are complemented by many other enticing design qualities, like excellent front and rear legroom, 55.1 cu.ft. of available cargo space, active noise cancellation, and available heated seats. You get it all at a lower starting MSRP than the 2025 Jeep Compass. There’s even a comprehensive warranty package that includes 12 months of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Visit us or schedule a test drive online so you can discover the 2025 Honda HR-V for yourself. We are proud to be your local Honda destination with a large inventory of quality vehicles. Our experienced, no-pressure sales staff and finance department will help you determine whether the affordable HR-V LX, athletic HR-V Sport, or sophisticated HR-V EX-L is right for you and secure a payment plan that fits your budget. Once you’ve driven your new Honda home, trust our on-site service, parts, and collision team to keep it running like new. The 2025 Honda HR-V is a great way to drive a practical and stylish vehicle.

^[a]26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 25 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
^[b]The 2025 Honda HR-V received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at nhtsa.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a part of the US Department of Transportation.
^[c]The 2025 Honda HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For more information, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at iihs.org. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a registered trademark of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.