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2007 Jeep Compass: A Higher Caliber
When you are one of the world leaders in manufacturing off-road, adventurous SUVs, you sometimes get stuck going in one direction. Jeep has avoided this tunnel vision by launching five new models in the past two years. Late last year, Jeep stepped into the seven-passenger segment with the Jeep Commander, which is doing well. Jeep will soon launch a compact SUV in the all-new Compass, built to guide young, spirited buyers to a Jeep dealership for their first taste of Jeep life.
I have titled this review “A Higher Caliber” because the Compass shares their platform and overall design profile with company brethren Dodge Caliber that Automotive Rhythms tested earlier this year. Put the two side-by-side and the family resemblance is undeniable. Both share a few funky characteristics designed for the cool, like a rechargeable interior light that doubles as a flashlight for reading or locating items, and fold-down speakers in liftgate for music enjoyment during picnics and tailgating.
 Starting with the exterior, the front end of the Compass is all Jeep with its seven-slot front grille and round headlights. Front fascia curves are bold and aggressive, widened fender flares exude a tough look and the clam-shaped hood is a staple in Jeep models. Front end lines are sleek from front to rear with a solid, unencumbered side profile. Wheel wells are large and trapezoidal in shape and house standard 17” aluminum wheels, with 18” aluminum or chrome plated wheels available. Jeep has chosen Firestone Firehawk All-Terrains as their tire of choice for on and off-road driving. The rear profile is reminiscent of Jeep Grand Cherokee, smaller of course with a rear spoiler and Jeep badging throughout.
 Under the hood, you will find a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. This “World Engine” is a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi and designed for fuel economy. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission for improved performance and gas mileage. Compass gets about 23/26 mpg city/highway for the 4WD automatic and 25/29 mpg city/highway for the 4WD with a five-speed manual. A 2.0-liter turbo diesel will be available outside of the U.S.
 Compass is the first front-wheel drive Jeep offering with an available four-wheel drive system named Freedom Drive I. While the front-wheel drive system will aid in fuel economy, the Freedom Drive I will give the Compass owner the assurance of Jeep driving ability in adverse weather conditions. Compass is not “Jeep Trail Rated” but performed well while driving through Portland, Oregon and along the coast. The engine itself was a little noisy in merging and passing situations, though it never seemed overmatched by right foot demands. We drove through sand dunes along a beach without a hitch, though I would not recommend Compass for any extreme off-road driving.
 Standard features for the Jeep Compass include Electronic Stability Program (ESP); Brake Assist, which works in conjunction with the ESP for maximum stopping power in emergency applications; and Electronic Roll Mitigation, which also works with ESP and helps determine potential roll-over situations and applies brakes accordingly to stabilize the vehicle. Anti-lock brakes with “rough road detection,” Brake Traction Control and side-curtain airbags are also all standard on the Compass. All of these features standard make for a comprehensive safety package in an entry-level SUV. Compass is also the first Jeep to offer Hill Descent Control technology in its vehicles.
 Inside the Compass is a conventional yet modern Jeep setup. Interior gauge clusters are easily understood, with radio and HVAC functions simple to operate. Compass is available in two trim levels -- Sport and Limited. Features vary between the two like cloth seats for the Sport to leather-trimmed bucket seats for the Limited. All models feature two-toned interior color selections, fold-down front passenger seat for cargo storage, 60/40 fold-flat rear seats, vinyl floor lining for the rear cargo area and much more.
 Available features include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system, sliding center armrest, 115-volt outlet in the center console for electronics, stain resistant materials and heated front seats.
Remember that the Compass is an entry-level compact SUV designed to bring in youthful, first time new car buyers to the Jeep brand. With prices starting at $15,985 with a $560 destination charge, Jeep is looking for buyers who want good fuel economy, somewhat sporty looks, funky features and affordability in an SUV. The day has come where a compact SUV can offer all of those attributes, so look for more of these types of vehicles in the near future. If you want the best of what a Dodge Caliber has to offer, the all-new Jeep Compass hits dealerships August, 2006.
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