2010 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4: Contrary to some, this driver liked it

Written by Steven Macoy
Friday, 07 May 2010 15:06

The 2010 Jeep Compass hasn’t exactly been wowing the reviewers. “Ride and handling are not impressive,” says Consumer Reports magazine. “One of the least attractive choices in the compact-SUV segment,” observes edmunds.com.

And us? We liked it. The almost-$30,000 price for our Compass Limited 4x4 seemed steep, the Optic Green Metallic clear-coat paint was a bit much, and the engine was obtrusive, bordering on noisy. But we were comfortable with the car’s size and roadworthiness, more so than we were with the much more expensive (and highly regarded) Grand Cherokee.

Apparently to exploit the legendary nameplate to the maximum, Chrysler has tucked the compact Compass, Liberty, Patriot, and the midsize Grand Cherokee between the rough-and-ready Wrangler and the big Commander. Not so very long ago, Jeeps were reliably strong sellers with just three models, the Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

The Compass is based on the Dodge Caliber. Its strengths include optional 4x4, decent fuel economy (as much as 29 mpg with front-wheel drive, manual transmission and the smallest engine choice), and, available at all trim levels, a continuously variable automatic transmission. It also has that Jeep mystique, which has kept this nameplate going under various manufacturers since the World War II years.

The all-wheel-drive system in the Compass channels all of the power to the front wheels most of the time, automatically sending power to the rear wheels when the situation calls for it. The transmission can be locked into 4x4 to deal with slippery conditions or off-road driving, though this model isn’t designed to compete with the Wrangler in rugged terrain.

We found visibility, riding comfort and front-seat room satisfactory. Knee room in the back seat can be tight, depending on the positioning of the front bucket seats. The 172-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine sets up a considerable racket even at modest acceleration; most, if not all, of the Korean, Japanese and American competitors are quieter. A smaller 158-horsepower engine is available on the Sport model, but no V-6 or V-8 engines are offered.

Cargo capacity is middling: just 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seat upright, and 61 after it’s folded flat.

Prices range from $18,720 for the base model to $25,135 for the Limited. Options, including a pair of flip-down speakers in the liftgate that are unique to this model, brought the price of our Compass to $29,905.

The price may seem high, but the equipment list is long. It includes auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power sunroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery, satellite radio, and optional remote start, storage capability for 4,250 songs, and navigation system.

The Compass has earned four of a possible five stars for frontal collisions in government crash tests, and five stars for side impacts. Reliability is average, says Consumer Reports.

Our impression of the Compass is that it would be quite easy to live with, and you can’t fully discount that Jeep mystique.

Price: $29,905

Engine: 2.4-liter Four, 172 horsepower, 165 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 2-speed continuously variable automatic with overdrive

Drive: All-wheel

Weight: 3,329 lb.

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear

Ground clearance: 8.1 inches

Wheels: 18x7-inch aluminum

Tires: P215/55R18 performance

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 22.7 cu. ft.

Maximum cargo capacity: 61 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 1,000 lb.

Fuel capacity: 13.5 gallons

Fuel economy: 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

Fuel type: Regular

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.