Jones Jeep - Which SUV handles Maryland winters better near Owings Mills, MD — the 2026 Jeep Compass or the 2026 Honda CR-V?
Maryland drivers ask one question every year as the forecast turns: which compact SUV feels more secure when slush, sleet, and sudden freeze-ups turn familiar routes tricky? Both the 2026 Jeep Compass and the 2026 Honda CR-V bring confident features to the table, but their strategies differ in ways that matter when the weather shifts quickly around school runs and late-evening commutes.
The Compass makes all-weather traction a core promise by equipping every trim with all-wheel drive from the start. That means no guesswork on whether a specific configuration will deliver the same grip as the one in the showroom. The drivetrain is tuned to proactively move torque to the axle with traction, steadying pull-aways on plowed side streets and keeping the nose calm as you crest icy intersections. On the Trailhawk® model, Selec-Terrain adds specialized modes, including Rock, which fine-tunes throttle mapping and gear hold for maximum low-speed control—reassuring when a plow ridge or rutted frozen gravel lot stands between you and the kids’ practice. The CR-V counters with available Real Time AWD™ across most trims and standard AWD on TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, delivering sure footedness that will satisfy many drivers who prefer Honda’s familiar road manners.
On days when conditions worsen hour by hour, visibility aids and low-speed precision matter as much as raw traction. The Compass offers an available 360-degree Surround View camera to help keep curbs, snowbanks, and slick parking-lot hazards in view. The CR-V features crisp camera views and helpful driver aids through Honda Sensing®, but it does not provide a 360-degree camera. Another cold-weather plus for the Compass is its standard AWD pairing with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which gives predictable gear changes and consistent engine braking on downhill stretches. The CR-V’s continuously variable transmission is smooth, but it emphasizes efficiency over the stepped-gear feel some drivers prefer on slick grades.
- Traction coverage: Compass includes AWD on every trim; CR-V makes AWD available on most trims and standard only on select models.
- Low-speed control: Compass Trailhawk® adds Rock mode and a crawler ratio for packed snow and rutted ice; CR-V lacks an equivalent off-road calibration.
- Visibility helpers: Compass offers a 360-degree Surround View camera; CR-V does not offer a full bird’s-eye view.
- Transmission behavior: Compass uses an 8-speed automatic for clear gear steps; CR-V employs a CVT focused on smoothness.
Cabin tech also supports winter readiness. The Compass can be equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and a power lift gate—creature comforts that reduce time spent fumbling with gloves and keys when the wind kicks up. The CR-V answers with its own set of winter-friendly touches, including heated front seats on many trims and a hands-free access power tailgate on Sport Touring Hybrid. Both SUVs integrate wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for glove-friendly navigation and voice commands, but the Compass’s available 10.1-inch Uconnect display gives a generous interface for quick glances with bulky jackets and hats in play.
So which SUV handles Maryland winters better near Owings Mills, MD? If the priority is consistent, AWD-first confidence paired with features that anticipate sloppy side roads, the 2026 Jeep Compass is tough to beat. Its standard AWD across the board, available 360-degree camera, and Trailhawk® low-speed calibration combine to keep motion composed when traction comes and goes. The 2026 Honda CR-V remains a strong, comfortable daily driver with helpful driver-assist technology and widely available AWD, but drivers who regularly face unplowed neighborhood streets and icy parking areas may appreciate the Compass’s built-in winter margin. One final thought: capability is most convincing behind the wheel. A back-to-back test drive on a cold, damp day reveals how each SUV’s traction programming, transmission tuning, and throttle response feel when conditions are less than perfect.
Jones Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram welcomes area drivers to compare features and feel the difference firsthand. Our team is serving Owings Mills, Glen Burnie, and Jarrettsville with informed advice and a focus on practical capability that pays dividends when the forecast refuses to cooperate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Compass have standard AWD on every trim?
Yes. AWD is standard across the Compass lineup, so every configuration delivers the same baseline traction without special ordering.
Can the CR-V match the Compass’s low-speed off-road control?
The CR-V offers capable Real Time AWD™ and snow-friendly tuning, but it does not provide the Compass Trailhawk® combination of Rock mode and a crawler gear ratio.
Which SUV offers a 360-degree camera?
The Compass offers an available 360-degree Surround View camera. The CR-V does not offer a full bird’s-eye surround-view system.