The Jeep Compass, introduced in 2007, marked a new direction for the Jeep brand. The Compass is the first Jeep based on a car chassis (in this case, the Dodge Caliber). In other words, you are not going to find a “Trail Rated” badge. Jeep purists may be bitter that such a car wears the Jeep name, but the case for the Compass is strong-a compact SUV with a four cylinder engine, with the choice of front or all-wheel drive. From a marketing perspective, it is interesting that Jeep essentially offers the same vehicle in two distinct models-the Compass, seen here, and the Patriot-a more traditionally styled, upright Jeep.
With the Compass, Jeep asserts they are seeking a younger, urban crowd who are drawn to the appeal of the Jeep name. My take is much simpler-I feel the Patriot is more appealing to male buyers, while the softer, curvier Compass would be more appealing to female Jeep fans. Whatever the case, coming at you, the Compass is instantly recognizable as a Jeep. While classic Jeep styling elements like the 7-bar grill and round headlights are there, the Compass passes as a contemporary design. From other angles, I thought the tail lamps recalled the first generation Acura MDX, but the flared fenders did give the Compass a tougher look than a CRV or RAV4.
Inside, the Compass received an overhaul in 2009. When the Compass debuted in 2007, critics were unimpressed with the blocky, plain interior. The new dash, door panels and center console are an enormous improvement-but still not on par with the competition. Plastic-acres of hard plastic dominate the Compass cabin. The Compass is an easy car to jump into and drive-controls are simple, and the gauges are clear. However, the seats did not offer much support over long trips, and I found it difficult to get a comfortable grip on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. But minor annoyances, like an unintuitive fog light control, stereo controls that are on the back (!) of the steering wheel, and the tiny, difficult to read while driving clock/info display on the stereo detracted the driving experience. Style-wise, the new Compass interior is a step forward, but the competition looks just as good, but feels so much better. Sitting in the Compass, the overwhelming feeling is Chrysler did the interior on the cheap.
Powering the Compass is a 2.4 liter four rated at 172hp. Buyers can choose from a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. Jeep doesn’t advertise the Compass as quick-and it is not. Our tester was paired with the CVT. Around town, the Compass gets around just fine, but merging onto a highway, or making a pass, it is plain slow. Mashing the throttle produces a lot of noise, but not much in the way of speed. What’s worse, the engine sounds like a food processor chopping gravel. The good news is, once at speed, the Compass’ engine is quiet, and there is little in the way of wind or tire noise. The CVT does a fair job of “finding” the ratio it wants, so the motor boating effect of CVT’s is limited. Handling-wise, the Compass does well for a small SUV. The steering wasn’t too light in feel, and the brakes always felt sure-footed. The Compass had a composed, comfortable ride in town and on the highway-it’s an easy car to drive.
Price is always a factor, so how does the Compass stack up? The Compass Sport 4×4 stickers at $19,465USD. But my tester had piled on $6,900 in options. Most notable were expected items like power windows, full interior lighting, and others like a sunroof, heated seats, and a Boston Acoustics stereo system. With an as-tested price of $26,365, this Compass rings in higher than a Honda CRV EX-a more refined vehicle with a far more livable interior.
I realize I came down hard on the Compass, but I did so because I believe Jeep has the right idea, and they are close-but not yet there. With a smoother engine, and a higher quality interior, the Compass could stand up to its competition. The Honda CRV isn’t a best seller by accident-they earned it. If Jeep can deliver that level of quality along with the priceless brand equity they carry, the Compass could dominate this class.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Once you FIND the radio controls, they are actually ok. Often i find that this habit designers have of putting every control imaginable on the front of the steering wheel can be a bit distracting.
Can it tow?
Andre, a Jeep Compass can tow up to 2,000lbs.
Too little. Might look at the Nitro or Liberty.
Or a used Cherokee.
I drive a 2010 jeep compass sport. and i was trying to how pull 2rwd truck. I couldnt find any place to put the hook on to. does it even have one?