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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $19,295 |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3107 |
| City (MPG) | 23 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 29 |
| Horsepower | 158@6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 141@5000 |
| Wheelbase | 103.7 |
| Length (in.) | 175.1 |
| Width (in.) | 71.4 |
| Height (in.) | 65.0 |
The Jeep Compass is small crossover based on the now-defunct Dodge Caliber compact car. It features a similar grille and front fascia treatment to the Grand Cherokee, but unlike that truck, the Compass is more comfortable on the pavement than off-road.
The Compass utilizes a pair of four-cylinder motors developed as a joint venture between Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. The base engine is a 2.0-liter mill with 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque that is slightly overwhelmed by the vehicle’s mass, though highway mileage is respectable at up to 29 mpg. The zero-to-60 benchmark comes in on the wrong side of 10 seconds.
A 2.4-liter unit provides a bit more power: 172 ponies and 165 lb-ft of torque. Though mileage falls with the bigger motor, zero-to-60 times are also trimmed to around nine seconds.
A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on base models, while a somewhat noisy and unrefined Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is fitted to all other Compasses. Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter is rated at 23/29 mpg and 23/27 mpg with the manual and CVT transmissions, respectively, while the 2.4-liter checks in at 23/28 mpg for the stick and 21/27 for the CVT.
Being a Jeep, the Compass can be upgraded from its standard front wheel-drive to four-wheel drive with the Freedom-Drive II package, which includes low range for the obligatory CVT, 17-inch all-terrain tires on aluminum rims, a one-inch raised ride height and skid plates that protect the transmission and oil pan from undercarriage-ravaging rocks. Even with those extras, owners should not expect the Compass to be a billy goat in the rough stuff. The package also reduces mileage to 23/27 mpg with the 2.0-liter and 20/23 mpg for the 2.4-liter.
Inside, the Compass features excellent visibility along with a handsomely designed and ergonomically sound center stack, but many plastic surfaces feel and look cheap.
Trim Level Breakdown
The Compass is available in four different trim levels. The most basic iteration, the Sport, features power windows and locks, A/C, foglamps, and an mp3-jack equipped stereo. It comes exclusively with the 2.0-liter motor and the 5-speed manual. Stepping up to the Latitude nets the CVT, a remote start system, heated front seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a 60/40 split reclining backseat and the ability to spec the larger motor.
The first of the two upper-level trims, the Limited, comes with the 2.4-liter mill as standard, in addition to leather seats that are 6-way power adjustable, automatic climate control, a six-disc CD player, 18-inch chrome wheels and body color fascias with what Jeep terms as “bright accents.”
Finally, the Limited 70th anniversary edition brings “chestnut accent stitching” on the seats and steering wheel, berber floormats, unique 18-inch wheels, “premium” leather seating and abundant Jeep logos.
Available options include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustic sound system, a power sunroof, a navigation system featuring a 6.5-inch touch screen and 40 GB of music storage space and a trailer tow package that raises towing capacity from 1000 lbs to 2000 lbs.
Altitude Edition
New for the latest model year is the limited-edition Altitude model, which adds stygian touches such as a black grille and black roof rack rails, while special 18-inch black wheels are wrapped in Firestone all-season tires.
Heated seats, exterior mirrors, side curtain airbags and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are all standard with the Altitude Package. Color choices include Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray and Bright White.
Occupant Safety
Active safety gear includes standard dual front, front side- and rear side-curtain airbags, while front seat mounted side airbags are optional. Electronic stability control, traction control and ABS also come with all Compasses.
Key Competitors
Those considering the Compass would be well advised to check out more modern competitors like the Subaru Forester, the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4.
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- General
- Body Style: SUV
- Size: Compact
- Market Segment: Standard
- Weight: 3107 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 175.1 in.
- Width: 71.4 in.
- Height: 65.0 in.
- Wheelbase: 103.7 in.
- Ground Clearance: 9.1 in.
- Front Track: 59.8 in.
- Rear Track: 59.8 in.
- Weight Distribution: 59/41
- Drag Coefficient: 10.5
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 101.3 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 22.7 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 53.6 cu. ft.
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: 52.2 cu. ft.
- Leg Room: 40.6 in.
- Head Room: 40.7 in.
- Shoulder Room: 54.6 in.
- Hip Room: 52.3 in.
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: 49.1 cu. ft.
- Leg Room: 39.4 in.
- Head Room: 39.9 in.
- Shoulder Room: 54.0 in.
- Hip Room: 51.0 in.
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 2.0L I4
- Power: 158 hp @ 6400 rpm
- Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy: 29 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 23 mpg
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
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- Wheels
- Front: 17" Aluminum
- Front Tires: P215/60R17
- Rear: 17" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: P215/60R17
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: TBD
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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