A Jeep is always a Jeep. No matter how big or how small, vehicles that wear the badge are known for being capable. The Jeep Compass is the company’s entry-level vehicle now that the Renegade is not sold in America.
A week behind the wheel of the Compass, using it as a daily driver, produced easy results for this list. A year before its generational makeover, the Compass still had something good left in it. But it’s not all good.
CHANGE: Powertrain
The Compass featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that made middling power despite being rated at 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The Jeep’s eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth enough, but nothing to write home about.
Admittedly, the Compass doesn’t feel as slow as the new Forester, nor is it as noisy as many SUVs with continuously variable transmissions.
All trim levels of the Compass come with the same engine and transmission combination that delivers the same amount of power.
Jeep
Jeep
KEEP: Knobs and buttons
Sure, the Compass doesn’t have the world’s most sophisticated air conditioning and radio system, what it does have are physical controls. They are easy to use, intuitive and straightforward.
The controls are also easy to use while wearing gloves, a win for those who live in cold climates.
CHANGE: Cruise control
I can get a Hyundai or Nissan for $8,000 less that comes standard with adaptive cruise control. There’s no reason why this shouldn’t be standard on a $30,000 vehicle.
CHANGE: Derailleur
I prefer the old-school standard shifter, but in small vehicles where space is at a premium, they just don’t make the best sense. The Jeep has a rotary shifter available, and if implemented here, it would give designers enough room to add a dedicated smartphone storage area.
AGNOSTIC: Two-tone paint colors
Like Nissan, Jeep offers many of its vehicles with two-tone paint, including the Compass. The look is… nice. It’s not a maker or breaker for me, but it might be for someone else.
At just $595, this option isn’t a bank breaker, and it’s an easy way to get a little customization without breaking the bank.
