Jeep Compass Review

Most people think of Jeeps as tough off-road vehicles that love to get muddy, but when the Jeep Compass debuted for 2007, it wasn't like other Jeeps. It didn't look rugged, it wasn't trail-rated, and as far as we could tell, it didn't even like dirt. Instead, it was a car-based design built for the majority of small-SUV buyers who wanted a fuel-efficient runabout that was easy to drive around suburbia. Four-wheel drive was available, of course, but it was a single-speed system -- enough to get you through a snowstorm and that's about it.

As you can imagine, Jeep purists didn't much care for the Compass, which they regarded as the antithesis to all things Jeep. Jeep has taken note, and the latest iteration has revised styling and newfound capabilities that edge the Compass closer to "real Jeep" status. Even so, the Jeep Compass faces stiff competition among today's compact, car-based SUVs. Its low price and interesting features may be compelling at a glance, but for those who dig deeper, its weak engine, modest cargo capacity and compromised seat comfort will likely prove significant liabilities.

Current Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass received a long list of improvements for the 2011 model year. Most notably, the exterior styling picked up cues from the Grand Cherokee, and the interior materials went from cheap plastics to pleasant and soft to the touch. The Compass also received a more capable off-road option that makes it fairly unique among compact SUVs. At its core, though, the Compass still shares its underpinnings with the much-maligned Dodge Caliber hatchback, and suffers from the same weak and noisy powertrains.

The Jeep Compass is offered in base or Limited trim levels, with the Limited adding features that include bigger wheels, exterior chrome accents, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, leather upholstery and an upgraded audio system. Option highlights include a USB port, voice command with Bluetooth, upgraded speakers (including a pair that flip and face outward from the opened tailgate), a sunroof and a navigation system. The Freedom-Drive II Off-Road package (available on 4WD versions) includes a low-range mode for the continuously variable transmission (CVT), hill ascent/descent assist and a host of other all-terrain equipment.

The base front-wheel-drive Compass comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes a paltry 158 horsepower. Upgrading to the 2.4-liter engine increases output, but only up to 172 hp, and it's almost as rough and loud as the smaller engine. Adding the optional four-wheel drive or power-sapping CVT will have the Compass feeling even more lethargic.

Additionally, young families may find this SUV's low cargo capacity problematic when loading up a stroller and a dog. The Compass offers 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the backseat and just 53.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Both figures are some of the smallest in the car-based SUV segment.

Used Jeep Compass Models
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Jeep Compass is in its first generation. For '08, the engines and transmission were enhanced to provide smoother acceleration, and air-conditioning became standard across the lineup. For 2009, the interior received an overhaul both in terms of design and materials quality; prior to that, the cabin was one of the worst on the market.