The Compass might look a little too cute and toyish to be wearing a Jeep badge-- but it remains a hard-working little 4x4 that’s bringing a whole new buyer to Jeep’s showrooms. Unlike its larger brand siblings that specialize in tossing turf and climbing rocks, the little Compass has far more modest intentions in mind.
As the entry product to the Jeep brand, Compass gives shoppers access to a high-utility four-wheel drive model for not a whole lot of cash. It’s decent on fuel, great to drive in the snow, and ready for any sort of outdoor activities the average Canuck may be interested in.
The North Edition
The tester was a Canada-exclusive Compass North Edition, and featured a power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, a 120-volt power outlet, remote start and a driver computer. A hard-drive equipped stereo system with a USB interface was on board too-- and came hooked up to a set of powerful Boston Acoustics speakers and trunk-mounted subwoofer. Sound quality was fantastic, as were the mirror-rattling levels of punchy bass.
Flip-down tailgate speakers mean you can share your favourite CD with an entire campsite, too.
Campsite ready
Speaking of camping, the tester also got a built-in, self-recharging flashlight, household power outlet, and just enough cargo space to lug a weekends worth of gear, food and beverages along for the ride. Space is adequate enough for four or five adults of average size, too. Extra points for the abundance of at-hand storage available to front passengers-- who each have no fewer than 4 cubbies within arm’s reach. Oh, and the updated interior looks, functions and feels notably better than the original, too. It’s just what the Compass needed.
‘World’ power
The tester was powered by a 2.4 litre, 172-horsepower ‘world’ engine shared with other models in Chrysler’s product lineup. A Continually Variable Transmission (CVT) with simulated manual mode shifting handled power delivery, and the on-demand 4x4 system features a locking mode to pre-emptively engage all four wheels for traction on slippery situations. Used properly, it could save drivers from needing a tug out of a mud hole or snowbank.
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| The tester was a Canada-exclusive Compass North Edition. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
As the entry product to the Jeep brand, Compass gives shoppers access to a high-utility four-wheel drive model for not a whole lot of cash. It’s decent on fuel, great to drive in the snow, and ready for any sort of outdoor activities the average Canuck may be interested in.
The North Edition
The tester was a Canada-exclusive Compass North Edition, and featured a power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, a 120-volt power outlet, remote start and a driver computer. A hard-drive equipped stereo system with a USB interface was on board too-- and came hooked up to a set of powerful Boston Acoustics speakers and trunk-mounted subwoofer. Sound quality was fantastic, as were the mirror-rattling levels of punchy bass.
Flip-down tailgate speakers mean you can share your favourite CD with an entire campsite, too.
Campsite ready
Speaking of camping, the tester also got a built-in, self-recharging flashlight, household power outlet, and just enough cargo space to lug a weekends worth of gear, food and beverages along for the ride. Space is adequate enough for four or five adults of average size, too. Extra points for the abundance of at-hand storage available to front passengers-- who each have no fewer than 4 cubbies within arm’s reach. Oh, and the updated interior looks, functions and feels notably better than the original, too. It’s just what the Compass needed.
‘World’ power
The tester was powered by a 2.4 litre, 172-horsepower ‘world’ engine shared with other models in Chrysler’s product lineup. A Continually Variable Transmission (CVT) with simulated manual mode shifting handled power delivery, and the on-demand 4x4 system features a locking mode to pre-emptively engage all four wheels for traction on slippery situations. Used properly, it could save drivers from needing a tug out of a mud hole or snowbank.
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| The Jeep Compass North Edition was powered by a 2.4 litre, 172-horsepower ‘world’ engine shared with other models in Chrysler’s product lineup. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |