Jeep Compass 2018 nabs maximum five-star safety rating

Jeep’s new-generation Compass small SUV has attained a maximum five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating with an overall score of 35.93 out of a possible 37.

In the frontal offset test, the Compass scored full marks for head/neck and upper leg protection, while recording 3.22 and 3.71 for chest and lower leg protection respectively.

Whiplash and pedestrian protection were both deemed ‘good’ and the side impact test yielded a full 16 out of 16 points for Jeep’s new Compass, as did the pole test (two points) and seat belt reminders (three points), for a total crash score of 97.1 per cent.

However, Jeep’s new Compass is likely to be the last vehicle to nab five stars without the inclusion of auto emergency braking (AEB) as standard, with ANCAP changing its testing criteria for 2018 to exclude cars without the safety technology from a maximum rating.

AEB is only currently available on the two highest grades of the Compass – Limited and Trailhawk – as part of the 'Advanced Technology Group' options pack that adds $2450 to the list price.

Jeep parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia president and CEO Steve Zanlunghi said however, that the safety technology will filter down into the lower Sport and Longitude grades.

“We also acknowledge the need to continually evolve our safety and packaging offerings to ensure we are aligned with the highest industry standards,” he said.

“As such, we are pleased to advise that we are making autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning available across the entire Compass range."

Standard safety features across the Jeep Compass range include emergency brake assist, reversing collision avoidance, tyre pressure monitoring and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Should Jeep include auto emergency braking as standard across its Compass range? Tell us what you think in the comments below.