To the casual observer, the 2014 Jeep Compass may look pretty familiar. Beyond subtle cosmetic updates, most changes are under the hood, notably the available six-speed automatic transmission. It replaces its predecessor’s continuously variable automatic transmission.
When the new Compass finds its way to dealerships in the second quarter of this year, available drivetrains are a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Exterior updates include new grille colors and textures as well as new bezel treatments around headlights, fog lights and taillights; the interior gets chrome accents, a vinyl-wrapped center armrest and updated instrument-panel graphics on upper trim levels.
Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.