by Dan Lyons


The first surprise about the new Jeep Compass is that there is none. No compass, I mean. Hop inside the latest Jeep and you’ll find no trace of its namesake.

A bigger surprise is the target market for this new model. This is one of very few Jeeps in recent decades not aimed at the off-road faithful. Why not? Jeep expects that the compact SUV segment will double from its current sales by 2010; triple (to 800k plus) by 2016. That’s a lotta SUV’s. And most of them will never be pointed off pavement – at least not intentionally. Now, as the market for hybrids heats up, Jeep has a model waiting for them.

When it starts rolling into show rooms in the third quarter of this year, the 2007 Compass will be offered in front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions; Sport and Limited trim levels. Prices will start at $15,985 for an FWD Sport and range to $21,740 for a 4x4 Limited.

Yes, I did say front wheel drive. Compass is the first ever front drive Jeep. And while that’s newsworthy, for most people, Jeep means four wheel drive. That’s especially true here in the Capital District, where 4x4’s have a loyal following because of the confidence they add when jousting with winter weather. For that reason, we’ll focus on Compass 4x4 models.

Jeep calls the Compass AWD system Freedom Drive I. It’s a full-time, fully automatic system, requiring no input from the driver. An electronic controlled coupling (ECC) attached to the rear differential acts like a torque traffic cop, directing power fore and aft as needed, to maintain traction. As much as 60% of available torque can be shifted to the rear wheels when necessary. The ECC works in concert with an Electronic Stability Program and the Anti-lock Brake System to maximize safety and handling. Drivers can also engage a 4WD lock mode, for better grip in deep snow, sand or mud. My test drive was in summer and believe me, I’m in no hurry to dip my feet in sleet. But, I wondered how winter willing the Compass would be, and I found the answer by driving the Compass in what is essentially a reeeeally big sand box. The verdict? The AWD Compass works as advertised. Buyers looking for all weather (as opposed to all terrain) traction will find that the combination of Freedom Drive, Electronic Stability Program and Brake Traction Control gives you better control and a firmer grip in conditions where the roads would have you slip. Wet or dry, the new Jeep has a smooth ride and a composed road feel. The suspension is fully independent and driving is more car-like than truck-like.

Compass is offered with one drivetrain and a pair of transmissions. The 2.4 litre four cylinder motor is linked to either a five speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission. The engine makes 172 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque and is a good match for this platform. Performance is fine all around, though as with any small motor, passing takes planning. Plan on passing a few gas stations, too, by the way. Gas mileage for the newest Jeep 4x4 is EPA estimated at 25/29 (manual) and 23/26 (automatic). As a breed, SUV’s are known to drink more than a frat house on a Friday night. Seen in that light, Compass fuel economy numbers look doubly good.

Cousin to Dodge’s Caliber, the interior of the Compass shares the flexibility and many of the cool options found in Caliber. Among them: a flip-up holster built in the center armrest for your MP3 player or cell phone, and a cargo bay ceiling light in back that doubles as a pop-out flashlight. The available Boston Acoustics Premium sound system (watts) includes a pair of speakers mounted on the lift gate that do dual duty. Open the hatch and you can swing the speakers down to provide the soundtrack to your next tailgate party. The over-the-glove-box cooler option offered on Caliber is unfortunately not offered on Compass. A navigation system will be added to the option sheet in the fourth quarter of 2006. So for now, remember that when you buy a Compass, bring your map to navigate; because there’s no compass in the cabin, and the navi will be late.

The seats (cloth in Sport, leather trimmed in Limited) are about 2” higher in the Jeep than the Dodge, so you’ll have a slightly higher vantage point. With a little accommodation amongst passengers there is just enough room to fit six footers in front and back. Plenty of on-board storage spots are available to stow water bottles, CD’s and what have you. Cargo capacity ranges from 22.7 – 53.6 cubic feet. Spilt, rear seatbacks and a fold-flat front seat increase your hauling options.

Jeep’s timing seems pretty fortuitous. Just as Compass arrives on the scene, there’s a whole wave of buyers heading right towards hybrids like this. It will be interesting to see how big of a splash this newest and least traditional of Jeep models will make with the new ute movement.

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Numbers and Dollars
2007 Jeep Compass
MSRP: $15,985-$21,740

Drivetrain
Engine: 2.4 litre I4, sequential multi-port fuel injection
Horsepower: 172 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 165 lb. ft. @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT

Weights and Measures
Wheelbase: 103.7" Height: 65.2”
Length: 173.4” Weight: 3,326 lb.
Width: 69.3” Weight/power: 19.33

Interior
Head Room: 40.7” f, 39.9” r Leg Room: 40.6” f, 39.4” r
Trunk Capacity: 22.7-53.6 cu. ft.

Chassis
Suspension: Independent front & rear
Brakes: Four wheel disc, ABS standard
Tire size: 215/60R17 all season touring

Mileage
EPA city/highway mpg - 25/29 (manual), 23/26 (automatic)

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