Vehicle Overview
Built on a car-based platform, the Jeep Compass is one of two front-drive-based models from Jeep — the other being the compact Patriot. Compass competitors include the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue.
New for 2013
Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission now get an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway, up 1 mpg.
Exterior
The Compass shares a few styling cues with its big brother, the Grand Cherokee SUV. Similarities are most evident in the front bumper, grille and headlight styling. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch wheels; 17- and 18-inch rims optional
- Standard fog lights
- Standard heated power side mirrors
- Standard remote keyless entry
- Optional power sunroof
Interior
The cabin features a 60/40-split folding rear seat and an optional fold-flat front passenger seat. Other interior features include:
- Standard cloth upholstery; leather optional
- Standard air conditioning
- Standard cruise control
- Optional heated front seats
- Optional navigation system
- Optional Boston Acoustics speakers
- Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
Under the Hood
Two four-cylinder engines are offered in the Compass, and buyers can choose from three drivelines: front-wheel drive; Freedom Drive I four-wheel drive with lock mode; and Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, a Trail-Rated four-wheel-drive system. Freedom Drive II has a continuously variable automatic transmission that incorporates a low range for off-road driving. The package also includes 17-inch all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, an extra inch of ground clearance for 9.1 inches overall, a skid plate for the gas tank and tow hooks. Mechanical features include:
- Base 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
- Available 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder
- Both engines use regular gas
- Five-speed manual or CVT
- 2,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped
Safety
Safety features include:
- Standard side curtain airbags
- Standard electronic stability system with electronic roll mitigation
- Standard antilock brakes
- Standard traction control
- Optional seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats
