2009 Jeep Compass Limited 4X4 Road Test Review
Compass Photos
Not too long ago, I spent a week behind the wheel of Jeep’s urban-oriented Compass. I thought the idea of a compact-sized vehicle with all-wheel drive, an efficient engine and an affordable price tag was a solid marketing move on Jeep’s part. In a number of ways, it left a positive impression on me, but I felt that the vehicle as a whole could have been executed a bit better - especially the interior.
Having had two years of listening to journalists and owners gripe about a few of the Compass’ imperfections, Jeep has put together a series of changes in the form of a mid-life update. Visually, the ‘09 Compass looks identical to last year’s model. It hasn’t really been on the market long enough to warrant any sheet metal or bumper changes, though I suspect they’ll be on their way for model year ‘10 or ‘11. Still, the Compass portrays itself as a Jeep quite well. It has all the basics covered, including the large circular headlamps, seven-slot grille and bulging flat-faced fenders. This particular model was finished in Limited trim, and included flashy polished five-spoke 18-inch wheels and silver accent trim (a little hard to spot against the silver paintwork).
But that’s not really a big deal. Styling is one area where Jeep received positive feedback, particularly from its youthful female clients who think that the Compass is “fun” and “cute”. A much bigger deal is the interior. Though the HVAC controls and the steering wheel remain the same, Jeep’s designers came up with a brand new dashboard and door panel design that not only represent an improvement in appearance, but in quality as well. Nearly all of the materials used remain hard plastic, but they’re of a better grade and offer reduced sheen. The flat top of the old center console used to reflect the sun’s glare into the driver’s eyes, while the new console with its curvy vent pods doesn’t. The redesigned center console also gave Jeep the opportunity to upgrade the Compass’ stereo system offerings to Chrysler group’s latest generation headunits. This particular tester featured the UConnect Tunes system (formerly known as MyGig), with built-in hard drive and USB connectivity. Also new for ‘09 is iPod integration, which can be hooked up via a port in the glove box. This new feature might be one of the reasons why Jeep replaced the central armrest with an iPod holder for a more conventional, padded unit.
This tester being upgraded to Limited trim, the interior also featured little splashes of chrome to brighten up its overall ambiance. The rings on the instrument cluster, as well as the gearshift surround, door handles, door panels and dash, do their part to make the cabin feel a little more upscale, not to mention the addition of the Dodge Caliber’s illuminated cupholders. Hey, there’s no harm in dressing up a model that’s named “Limited”. Jeep has never shied away from offering premium features on the Compass. Standard features on the Limited include supportive, leather-trimmed two-stage heated seats, lumbar support, and power everything. ESP and ABS are standard across the board, as are front and curtain airbags. Seat-mounted side impact airbags are an extra-cost option, though.
Another area of complaint that Jeep owners had pertained to the cargo area. A lot of owners liked the idea of the UltraFloor vinyl plastic floor, which could be wiped clean with a damp cloth, but it had a number of downsides. Most anything placed in the trunk, be it bags or boxes, had a tendency to slip and slide around. Jeep’s solution has been to put a durable, carpeted mat down with large ribs running in the North-South direction. Without the optional upgraded sound system, the Compass does not feature the articulated tailgate-mounted speakers (formerly known as Music Gate), it doesn’t have a cargo-bay mounted subwoofer. Instead, there’s a little pocket in the door, handy for keeping loose items like tools or car-care gear. All Compasses feature a 60/40 split folding rear seat with recline function, and, on select models, the front passenger’s seat can be folded flat allowing extra-long objects to be carried on board.
Though I had no qualms with the technological advancements of the outgoing Compass’ engine range, one complaint I did have was with noise. Jeep’s engineers worked on improving the sound deadening behind the new dash and around the floor panels in the ‘09 model to make the vehicle quieter. Indeed, under full throttle this tester’s 2.4-liter inline-four seemed more refined than the one I drove last season. Three different powertrains are available to buyers; most Compasses come equipped with that aforementioned 2.4-liter, with the exception of one combination, FWD and CVT, which downgrades the engine size to 2.0-liters.
Pricing has yet to be announced on the ‘09 Compass, but if it remains equal or slightly more than what it is currently, it’ll easily become a more desirable vehicle. After all, it has the right badge, the right features and now, the right interior. If anything, 2009’s revisions show that Jeep’s corporate owners, Cerberus, are out to produce competitive vehicles that consumers will want to own. It’s listening to what its customers have to say that will play an important role in Chrysler returning to solid financial health.
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