ROUGH-ROAD READY
Updates give Compass a stronger direction
The 2014 Jeep Compass is rough-road ready with appealing new features, updated powertrain and notable off-road credentials.
New are a six-speed PowerTech automatic transmission; more than 30 safety features, including standard front-seat side-mounted airbags; and an available ParkView rear backup camera. With fuel economy ratings of up to 30 mpg on the highway, the 2014 Jeep Compass starts at $18,495.
Outside, Compass is cute without being precious, a little ute whose familiar wide-eyed toothy grin has been updated with more angular lights and a deep front air dam. Like many modern SUVs, its front and rear ends have been softly curved.
The rear liftgate is wide and accommodating to beefy cargo, and dual heated fold-away mirrors are a nice upscale touch. Fog lamps and side roof rails are standard.
Inside, the 2014 Compass is refreshed and remodeled. Among the upgrades are vinyl-wrapped armrests and center console, new graphics on the instrument cluster and satin chrome finish around the shifter. Cloth bucket seats are standard, as is an AM/FM/CD/ MP3 stereo system. There’s a 12-volt outlet on all models, and a 115-volt power point comes with higher-end models. The steering wheel tilts and includes integrated audio and cruise controls.
There are two powertrains: a 2.0-liter fourcylinder that makes 158 horsepower and 141 lb.ft. of torque (standard on lower-end 4x2 models), or a 172-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 165 lb.-ft. and is standard on all models with 4WD, as well as all Compass Limited models at the highest end of the trim line. The bigger four-cylinder also is available as an option on base 4x2 Compasses (Sport and Latitude).
A five-speed automatic transmission is standard except on the Limited, which comes with a new six-speed automatic that also can be ordered as an option for all other models. A
continuously variable automatic also is available only on Sport models with Freedom Drive II.
Compass models come with front-wheel drive, but all models can be ordered with 4x4. The 4x4 can be augmented with one of two all-wheel-drive systems. Freedom Drive I is full-time, active 4WD with the ability to “lock.” This is good for daily use in situations of heavy rain and snow, as well as more traction-compromised situations, such as ice and deep sand.
Freedom Drive II comes with the continuously variable transmission, with a low range set of gears (CVT2L) that are engaged when the off-road mode is activated; it has 17-inch allterrain tires and aluminum wheels, a one-inch raised ride height, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and a manual seat height adjuster. The Freedom Drive II package gives it legitimate off-road chops for climbing logs, skirting boulders and traversing gulches.
Independent front and rear multi-link suspension components are complemented by stabilizer bars and gas-charged shock absorbers. Steering is rack-and-pinion power assist, while the brake system includes four-wheel ABS: front disc with rear drum on entry-level 4x2 models, four-wheel discs on all others. Hill Start Assist and stability control are standard, as is electronic roll migration management.
We drove the uplevel Jeep Compass Limited on the Chrysler Proving Grounds recently, which gave us an opportunity to remember its smooth-driving 2WD and capable-handing 4WD versions. The three models and two 4x4 systems provide something for almost everyone with an aptitude for family hauling and proficiency along woodland trails or hauling small recreation toys, as it can tow up to 2,000 pounds.