Ch-Ch-Changes: 2009 Jeep Patriot, Compass Get New Interiors
We brought you the first pictures of Jeep’s new compact SUV interiors awhile back — from Cars.com’s own inventory listings, no less. Now the company’s official embargo is over, so we’re here to tell you all about the updates to the Jeep lineup that you couldn’t figure out on your own.
Jeep’s two small SUVs, the Patriot and Compass, have received a lot of criticism for their ho-hum interior materials and design, even though the Patriot is one of Chrysler’s few success stories in the sales department. Chrysler’s new management talked the talk about placing more emphasis on interiors, hence the upgrades to these two models for 2009. No other Chrysler product will receive a similar upgrade for 2009 — not even the nearly identical Dodge Caliber, which is also a strong seller.
The two Jeeps receive essentially the same upgrades, which include a redesigned interior and some tuning changes. The interior features a new center console, dashboard and door trim design.
Rounded air vents replace the old flimsy, rectangular numbers, and a new center console with a split lid for added storage space replaces a clunky attempt at an iPod holder. There are also revised door trim panels that feature padded armrests and soft-touch plastics. The instruments are also new, with LED-backlight gauges. Standard illuminated cupholders and a carpeted cargo floor (instead of last year’s vinyl) round out the changes for the interior.
Jeep also worked on the Compass and Patriot mechanicals, improving floor and engine-compartment silencers and revising the exhaust resonator for what Jeep calls a quieter ride. Both also get new suspension tuning on Sport models that provide better ride and handling. Jeep has reduced the number of build orders, so except to see a much more simplified option list for the ‘09 model year.
The new interior looks well-formed and thought-out. We’ll have to wait and see about those exhaust, suspension and sound-deadening changes, but right now it looks like an improvement.
2009 Jeep Patriot
2009 Jeep Compass
