The Jeep Compass is not a traditional Jeep with go-anywhere off-road capability. On the negative side, it appears to be built to a price and has modest interior materials and build quality. On the positive side, it offers safety, a comfortable ride, steady handling, high fuel mileage, and the reassurance of all-wheel-drive capability. Those positives and its affordable pricing make the Jeep Compass worth a look.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from western Oregon, with Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Jeep Compass 2WD Sport ($16,475); AWD Sport ($18,225); 2WD Limited ($20,505); AWD Limited ($22,255)
5-speed manual; Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) with Auto Stick
Safety equipment (standard):
multi-stage frontal airbags, curtain side airbags; traction control, electronic stability control with anti-roll mitigation, ABS with brake assist
Safety equipment (optional):
front side-impact airbags ($250)
Basic warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:
Belvidere, Illinois
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Jeep Compass AWD Limited ($22,225)
Standard equipment:
air conditioning; tilt steering column; leather upholstery, heated front seats; height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining 60/40 split folding rear seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; outside-temperature indicator; AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack; Sirius satellite radio; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; center console sliding armrest with cell phone or MP3 pocket; fog lamps; roof rails; floor mats; P215/55R18 tires
Options as tested (MSRP):
CVT ($1100)
Destination charge:
($560)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$23,885
Layout:
all-wheel drive
Engine:
2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
172 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
165 @ 4400
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
21/24 mpg
Wheelbase:
103.7 in.
Length/width/height:
173.4/69.3/65.2 in.
Track, f/r:
59.8/59.8 in.
Turning circle:
37.2 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.7/52.3/40.6 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
39.9/51.0/39.4 in.
Cargo volume:
53.6 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
2000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson strut
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link with coil springs
Ground clearance:
8.4 in.
Curb weight:
3329 lbs.
Tires:
P215/55R18
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS Brake Assist, Brake Traction Control
Fuel capacity:
13.5 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of September 17, 2007.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-925-5337 -
www.jeep.com
