Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Jeep updated the Compass for the 2011 model year, giving it some of the Grand Cherokee’s good looks while also revising the suspension for better handling, reworking the interior with more soft-touch materials and better electronics, while giving the little ute the option of real off-road capability. Now, three model years later, the Compass looks much the same as that redo while features have become more plentiful; especially in my top-line Limited model.
Jeep
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
While that package would’ve been nice for my brief off-road stint, it wasn’t really needed.
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Truly, while the Compass’ standard Touring suspension is quite agile, managing corners with adequate stability and very capable at high-speed on the highway, aided no doubt by its nice big 18-inch rims wrapped in 215/55R18 all-season rubber, I certainly wouldn’t be off to the races in this little crossover SUV, let alone hitting a makeshift parking lot autocross course on a Sunday afternoon. The Compass
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
I mentioned that it has one of the nicest interiors in its class, and I wasn’t exaggerating. The leather in my tester was Saddle Tan, adding a rich warmth that worked well against other surfaces covered in Dark Slate Grey. That Saddle Tan leather covered front and rear seats as well as the door insets and middle panels, even wrapping all the way inside the door handles, with soft padding no less, while nice cream contrast stitching added to the cabin’s upwardly mobile cachet. Most of
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
With respect to the optional navigation and reverse camera, my tester included the former as part of a Uconnect CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAV upgrade costing $1,225 and also featuring a 40-gig hard drive with 28 gigs available for music/media storage. Interestingly, even the top-line Limited 4×4 model doesn’t include Bluetooth hands-free as standard equipment, either forcing you to buy the $570 Security and Cargo Convenience group that adds Bluetooth along with voice recognition and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated microphone, plus an alarm, remote start, a remote USB port and a soft tonneau cover, or alternatively you can get a separate package for $375 that contains voice recognition with Bluetooth hands-free, the auto-dimming rearview mirror with a microphone,
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
From a functionality standpoint, the Compass feels roomy front and back, with ample rear leg, hip and shoulder room, while the cargo area is spacious behind the rear seats with 643 litres available, or you can lay the 60/40-split second-row seatbacks completely flat for a maximum of 1,775 litres. Accessing that cargo compartment might take more effort than you’d like, however, as the Compass liftgate is one of the heaviest I’ve lifted in years. Jeep might want to lighten that up or
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
As far as fuel economy goes, the Compass is good compared to most crossover SUVs, with the base 158 horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder, five-speed manual and front-wheel drive combination achieving a Transport Canada claimed rating of 8.9 L/100km in the city and 6.6 on the highway, whereas my Limited 4×4 model is estimated to use a bit more at 10.0 city and 7.4 highway. Of course we all know Transport Canada’s EnerGuide rating system is far from realistic, so until this changes later this year for 2015 models it’s best to look south of the border to the U.S. EPA for more accurate guidance. The EPA rates the aforementioned base Compass at a metric-converted 10.2 L/100km city, 8.4 highway and 9.4 combined, whereas they rate my Limited 4×4 six-speed automatic-equipped tester at 11.2 city,
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
I started this review out saying how I didn’t expect the Compass Limited 4×4 to impress me, but it truly did. From its mini-Grand Cherokee styling and attractive well-put-together interior to its full load of features and accommodating interior, not to mention its comfortably competent performance, it’s an intelligently thought out crossover SUV that’s certainly worthy of your shopping list.
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