How Much Cargo Can a 2017 Jeep Compass *Really* Hold? A Real-World Test

The 2017 Jeep Compass offers significantly less usable cargo space than its official 59.8 cubic feet specification suggests, struggling to accommodate common large items like a bicycle or a large flat-screen TV box that its competitors can handle with ease. This conclusion comes from a direct, real-world comparison test against other popular compact SUVs, highlighting why cargo volume numbers can be misleading for car shoppers.

Why Do Cargo Volume Specs Not Tell the Whole Story?

Automakers measure cargo volume—the total capacity in cubic feet with the rear seats folded down—using a standardized procedure with small blocks. However, this method doesn't account for the practical realities of loading irregularly shaped items. Factors like the load floor height (how high you must lift items), intrusive wheel wells, and the overall shape of the cargo bay have a major impact on real-world usability. Based on our assessment experience, a SUV with a slightly lower official volume but a more square-shaped cargo area can often be more practical than one with a higher, but more irregularly shaped, volume.

How Did the Jeep Compass Perform in a Standardized Cargo Test?

During a comparative challenge, testers loaded a standard set of items into the Compass and its rivals, including the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. The items were a 23-inch adult bicycle, a pair of golf bags, and an adjustable cardboard box designed to simulate a large flat-screen TV package.

• Behind the Rear Seats (27.2 cu. ft.): The Compass could not fit the smaller box (37"L x 6"W x 41"H) behind the backseat. In contrast, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan was the only vehicle in the test that could accommodate it.
• With Rear Seats Folded (59.8 cu. ft.): The Compass also failed to fit the expanded, larger box (70"L x 6"W x 41"H) laid flat, with the box protruding from the open liftgate. Every other SUV in the test, except the Compass, could fit this larger box.

What Specific Challenges Did the Compass's Cargo Area Present?

The issues went beyond just the boxes. Loading the bicycle was notably more difficult due to the Compass's large load-in height, requiring extra effort to lift it over the bumper. Furthermore, the bicycle had to be carefully maneuvered around the cargo area's intrusive wheel wells, which encroach on the usable space. While the items eventually fit, the process was less straightforward than in other compact SUVs with more thoughtfully designed cargo holds.

How Did Other Compact SUVs Compare?

The test involved several key competitors, and their performance underscored the Compass's limitations:

This table shows that while most competitors shared the limitation with the small box, the Compass was uniquely unable to handle the large box, which was a baseline capability for the other models.

What's the Best Way to Evaluate Cargo Space Before You Buy?

Do not rely solely on manufacturer cargo volume specifications. To truly gauge if an SUV's cargo area meets your needs, follow these practical steps:

1. Make a Mental List of Your Largest Items: Think about what you transport most often—a stroller, golf bags, luggage for airport trips, or hardware store purchases.
2. Bring a Test Box to the Dealership: A great way to test space is to bring a cardboard box similar in size to a large item you own. Attempt to load it both behind the rear seats and with them folded down.
3. Assess the Ease of Loading: Pay attention to the load floor height. Is it easy to lift heavy items? Are the wheel wells significantly cutting into the space? Is the opening wide and square?
4. Compare Multiple Vehicles Back-to-Back: Just as in the professional test, seeing how different models handle the same items is the most effective way to identify the most practical choice for your lifestyle.

For shoppers who frequently carry bulky gear, the 2017 Jeep Compass's cargo area may prove frustrating. Its real-world performance lags behind segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. The most reliable strategy is to physically test the space with your own typical items before making a purchase decision.