The 2014 Jeep Compass finally finds true north, with a better automatic transmission and a few more fine details.
- Interior / Exterior »
The
Jeep Compass has been around, mostly unchanged, since the 2007 model
year; but in 2011 Jeep took a big step toward righting the homely
awkwardness of the original Compass design—although the boxy wheelwell
outline and out-of-proportion upkick in the rear flanks remain. On the
outside, the new ‘mini-Grand-Cherokee’ look succeeds as a whole, and the
result is a vehicle that still has some awkward angles yet fits much
better into the market today than when it was first introduced.
That
last retouch—sort of a ‘lite’ version of the revamp given to Chrysler’s
other vehicles in recent years—simply wasn’t enough to overcome the
rather low-rent look and feel of the cabin, however. Upholsteries and
trims were revamped then, with available Saddle Brown perforated leather
upholstery with accent stitching, for instance, or a new sport
mesh-and-vinyl with accent stitching. Overall, it’s a straightforward
and functional look—and it’s appealing in appearance if not always
touch.
Separately for 2014, the Compass gets a Billet Silver textured grille in its Sport and Latitude trims, while Limited models get new projector halogen lamps with black and chrome bezels; taillamps get a new ‘smoked’ inner bezel.
Separately for 2014, the Compass gets a Billet Silver textured grille in its Sport and Latitude trims, while Limited models get new projector halogen lamps with black and chrome bezels; taillamps get a new ‘smoked’ inner bezel.
- Performance »
The
base engine on the Compass remains a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter
four-cylinder ‘World Engine,’ while top Limited models come with a
172-hp, 2.4-liter version; a five-speed manual gearbox is standard,
while the six-speed automatic is offered as a step up across the lineup.
The
six-speed brings a higher top gear for lower revs at highway cruising
speeds, while there’s also a low 4.21 first gear for stronger
launches—plus AutoStick manual control. The new automatic is also
essentially maintenance-free, with a sealed-for-life design, with no
dipstick and no flushes or fills required.
It’s also as much of an
improvement in drivability as you might think; in a short spin, we
found the new automatic transmission in the Compass to be not only more
responsive, but more settled. Otherwise, we’ve found manual-gearbox
versions of the Compass to have decent drivability, although a notchy
shifter and imprecise clutch behavior sapped some of the enjoyment.We’ll add more impressions on the new automatic as soon as we can spend more time with one.
After
many years of struggling in the economy-car doldrums, the Jeep Compass
has finally found its groove. For the past seven years, it’s mostly been
a right idea plagued by poor execution–a rally-ish hatchback saddled
with torpid acceleration and lackluster manners.
Over a
series of light updates in the past two years, the Compass finally has a
presentable interior, a smooth powertrain, and settled handling. It’s
much more in tune with what buyers expect from a small crossover.On the inside, upholsteries and trims have been completely revamped, with available Saddle Brown perforated leather upholstery with accent stitching, for instance, or a new sport mesh-and-vinyl with accent stitching. Outside, the Compass gets a Billet Silver textured grille in its Sport and Latitude trims, while Limited models get new projector halogen lamps with black and chrome bezels; taillamps get a new ‘smoked’ inner bezel.
The base engine on the Compass remains a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder ‘World Engine,’ while top Limited models come with a 172-hp, 2.4-liter version; a five-speed manual gearbox is standard, while the six-speed automatic is offered as a step up across the lineup. The six-speed brings a higher top gear for lower revs at highway cruising speeds, while there’s also a low 4.21 first gear for stronger launches—plus AutoStick manual control. The new automatic is also essentially maintenance-free, with a sealed-for-life design, with no dipstick and no flushes or fills required. It’s also as much of an improvement in drivability as you might think; in a short spin, we found the new automatic transmission in the Compass to be not only more responsive, but more settled.
The Compass’s cabin design otherwise stays the same—meaning that you should expect the same ride, which is a bit on the harsh side, and a bit more like that of a small car than other compact crossovers. All models also now get acoustic laminated front windshield glass, which should incrementally help tamp down this model’s ongoing issues with engine noise. The Compass merely does the job with respect to seat comfort (and we don’t see that the seat design itself is different in the 2014); the rear bench in particular is one of the hardest, flattest ones we’ve tested in such a vehicle. And there’s not all that much cargo space behind the rear seats.
The 2014 Compass is offered in Sport, Latitude, and Limited models, each with a choice between front-wheel drive, the Freedom Drive I full-time active all-wheel drive (with a locking center diff good for snow or sand), or Freedom Drive II, which adds more off-road capability. In previous model years we’ve found the latter system to be tough enough to churn through sand or get up some of the more rutted trails, but it’s still no rock-crawler.
Gas mileage for the Compass still isn’t great compared to other models its size. Mileage ranges from 26 mpg city, 30 highway with the base 2.0 engine and manual gearbox, all the way down to 21/23 with automatic and 4WD or ojust 20/21 mpg with the toughest Freedom Drive II package.
Front active head restraints, electronic stability control, and Hill Start Assist are standard on all models of the 2014 Compass. But with three-star frontal results from the federal government and no updated IIHS rating, there are too many unanswered questions about occupant safety to say it’s one of the top safety picks.
Standard features across the 2014 Compass lineup include air conditioning, power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, fog lamps, a removable rechargeable flashlight, and illuminated cupholders. Latitude models add heated cloth front seats, a fold-flat passenger seat, 60/40-split reclining rear seats, a 115-volt power inverter, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. At the top of the range, the Limited gets the 2.4-liter engine, plus four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, projector headlamps, a power driver’s seat, an information center, automatic climate control, a universal garage-door opener. Options include a ParkView backup camera, a power sunroof, Uconnect Voice Command (hands-free calling and audio streaming), nine-speaker premium sound with liftgate speakers, and a navigation system with SiriusXM Travel Link.
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