“A smaller alternative to the Cherokee”

By Arv Voss

OVERVIEW:

The first Jeep appeared on the scene in 1941 and it has since grown into one of the most iconic and diversified vehicle brands. Jeep now comes in a multitude of models, each with their own individual moniker, purpose and capability. The shapes and design forms also vary. In addition, each Jeep model line comes with several trim levels indicating intended purpose and capability. A few examples are the Jeep Wrangler, Renegade, Cherokee and Wagoneer. There’s also a Jeep Recon EV.

Reviewed here will be the Jeep Compass Limited 4×4. The Compass alone offers seven different sub models – Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Trailhawk, Limited, (Red) Edition and High Altitude. Their base prices range respectively from $27,495 to $38,930. All are categorized as small 5-door ,4WD SUVs. It s a more diminutive alternative to the Cherokee, placing affordability above overall interior space which it would benefit from.

SHARED MOTIVE FORCE:

All Jeep Compass models draw their power from a new 2.0-liter Intercooled, turbocharged inline four cylinder  engine with Gasoline Direct Injection that delivers 200 horsepower at 5,000 rpm along with 221 pound feet of maximum torque at 1,750 rpm. It is a less powerful version of the engine that powers the new Dodge Hornet. The engine bolts to an eight-speed transmission with a driver selectable mode as well as Autostick Sequential Shift Control and all models come with all-wheel drive as standard fare. The Compass is no longer available with FWD.The fuel tank holds 13.5 gallons and the EPA economy rating is 24 mpg City, 30 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. The Compass is capable of reaching 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.

CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT:

The Compass’s radio features Uconnect 5 with a 10.1-inch display, streaming audio and Seek-Scan and six speakers. There’s a clock, Aux audio input jack, steering wheel controls and Voice Activation as well as Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity. There’s available natural voice recognition and navigation as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE:

There’s a 6-way Driver seat with manual recline, height adjustment and fore/aft movement. The passenger seat has the same features adding a fold-flat seat back. Aft is a 60-40 split-bench front facing fold forward seatback. The steering column both tilts and telescopes.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES:

The Jeep Compass comes with a host of driver assistance technology and safety features including Blind Spot Detection, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus and Cross Path Detection, Active Lane Management, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Front Collision Mitigation and Driver Alert Monitoring  along with available adaptive cruise control.

AS TESTED:

The Base Price of my Jeep Compass Limited was $35,935 while the final total with options and destination charge came to $47,205. The exterior wore a Brilliant Silver while the interior was executed in Grey tones.

PERFORMANCE:

The Jeep Compass Limited is a comfortable small SUV with plenty of power for its size. It doesn’t carry the same off-road credentials as the Wrangler lineup, but its styling is certainly more appealing. The handling characteristics approach the sporty level and the ride quality though not luxurious is comfortable unless you’re tall and assigned to the rear seat for a long period over rough terrain.

WARRANTY:

All Compass models come with three years of free maintenance and a Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles while the Powertrain Warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.

SPECIFICATIONS: Jeep Compass Limited 4×4

Vehicle Type: Small Five passenger 5-door wagon (SUV)

Base Price:                            $35,935.                                                                               

As Tested Price:                   $47,205.

Motor Size and Type:          2.0-liter Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-   valve inline 4- cylinder with direct fuel injection.

Horsepower (bhp):              200 @ 5,000 rpm

Torque(lb.-ft.)                        221 @1,750 rpm

Transmission:                         8-speed automatic with overdrive, an electronic transfer case and automatic full-time four wheel drive.

Drive Train:                             Front engine – 4 Wheel Drive with ESC and RSC

Brakes:                                   Four-wheel vented discs with ABS and Driveline Traction Control.

Tires:                                       Continental ContiPro Contact 235/45R18 95H mounted on 5-“W”-spoke graphite painted alloy wheels.

Suspension:                          Front – Strut with anti-roll bar and gas-pressurized shock absorbers.

                                                Rear – Multilink with anti-roll bar and gas-pressurized shock absorbers.

Wheelbase:                          103.8 – inches

Overall Length:                      173.4 – inches

Width:                                       73.8 – inches

Height:                                  64.6 – inches

Curb Weight:                     3,620 – lbs.

Fuel Capacity:                         13.5 – gallons

EPA Mileage Rating:                 24 – mpg City / 32 – mph Hwy             

Turning Radius:                        36.2 – ft.

0-60 mph:                                  7.5 – seconds

Towing Capacity:                  2,000  – lbs.                                                            # # #