The 2007-2011 Jeep Compass
2011 Jeep Compass changes
The 2011 Jeep Compass dramatically changed the appearance of the Caliber-based vehicle; inside, the cabin was upgraded with more soft touch points and higher quality materials. Under the hood, ride and handling were improved in all weather conditions, thanks to upgraded steering and suspension systems. The Compass also gained substantial off-road capability in its Freedom Drive II form, and is Trail Rated when ordered that way. The styling is borrowed from the highly successful, luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Inside, upgrades include soft touch front door trim panels, a new center armrest, new steering wheel with integrated audio and phone controls, standard cruise, and new backlighting of switches and controls. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, power heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, and fog lamps.
The new hood, front fenders, fascia, headlamps, and grille can distract from the new quad reflector headlamps and high output projector fog lamps. New brightwork throughout the body adds an upscale touch; while protective cladding has been added to prevent damage in bad weather or when driving off-road. In back, a new body-color rear spoiler and LED headlamps, along with other touches, also improve the appearance. The standard wheels are now 17 inches, with 18 inch aluminum and chrome clad wheels available.
The Compass now has standard side curtain airbags for both rows, stability control with roll mitigation, hill start assist (with manual transmission), and optional seat-mounted side airbags. Changes include a new hood, front fenders, fascias, headlamps, grille, quad reflector headlamps, high-output projector fog lamps, brightwork, protective cladding, body-color rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, roof rails, and standard 17 inch aluminum wheels (18 inch available on Limited).
Engines continue with the base 2-liter four-cylinder, generating 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque to provide 23 city / 29 highway mpg with the five speed manual transmission (it is also available with a CVT). The higher end engine is the 2.4 liter with 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft. It, too, comes with a choice of five-speed manual (front wheel drive only) or CVT, with gas mileage rated at 23/29 (FWD). Towing capacity is rated at 2,000 pounds.
The suspension includes higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and heavier duty rear sway bar.
A new option package is the All-Weather Capability Group, with all-terrain tires, all-season floor mats, DRLs, engine block heater, and tow hooks. Also new is Jeep Freedom Drive II; Freedom Drive I, an active full time 4x4 system with lockable center coupling, continues. Freedom Drive II includes a continuously variable transaxle (CVT automatic) with a low range; the ride height was raised one inch and a full size spare, skid plates, tow hooks, and manual seat adjuster are bundled for moderate off-road situations including steep grades, occasional wheel lift, and rock or log climbing. Chrysler achieved Trail Rated status with this configuration.
Towing capacity goes up to 2,000 lb. The new model range is Compass, Latitude, and Limited; all three are available with front wheel drive, Freedom Drive I, or Freedom Drive II. Colors are blackberry pearl, silver metallic, white, black, deep cherry, charcoal gray, and mineral gray. The cars are expected at dealers in late December, with pricing expected to begin at $19,995.
Overview
The Jeep Compass brought Jeep styling and capabilities to another car platform - in this case, the Caliber platform. The Jeep Compass with four wheel drive was priced starting at $17,805, just under the base Subaru Impreza, with mileage quite good for a Jeep at 25 city, 29 highway (2007 figures). It had both manual and CVT (automatic, but continuously variable) transmissions available, though the most capable four wheel drive system was integrated with, and required, the CVT.
2009-2010 Jeep Compass changes
2010 Jeep Compass gained active head restraints (standard), remote start (optional), and automatic climate control (the latter only on Limited). A natural green pearl color was added. A 2.0 engine option with the five-speed stick-shift raised gas mileage slightly. With the CVT 4x2, gas mileage with the small engine rises to 23/27, vs 21/25 for the CVT2 4x2. Canadians got a North Plus group feature set, which enhanced the Compass North Edition 4x4 with heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and speed control.
2009 Compass and Patriot got a far better interior with more padding, better materials, and more graceful lines and curves. A partial-zero-emission-vehicle version of the 2.4 liter engine was available with front wheel drive. The suspensions were also retuned for a better on-road feel. Patriots were available at some dealers.
The Compass and Patriot still had an identical interior; a new instrument panel, door trim panel, and center console were accompanied by a soft-touch door armrest and center console with split lid for more storage. Chrome accents were added to the vents and shift bezel on Sport, and to those areas as well as the door and cluster rings on Limited. Floor mats replaced the vinyl load floor, and LED-illuminated cupholders were added.
An optional 30-gigabyte-hard-drive music system with the ability to show custom images (and to play movies on the screen while in Park) was added, along with a nav/traffic system, the latter standard on the Limited. Numerous changes were made to options packages, including a rather comprehensive and credible Freedom Drive II group. The liftgate appliqué was switched to mold-in-color (all Patriot, and Compass Sport; Compass Limited got a body-color appliqué).
Engine compartment and floor sound insulation and a larger resonator on front drive vehicles (and the addition of a resonator on 4WD models) slashed unwanted noise. For Compass, revised suspension tuning on Sport models gave a more comfortable, smoother ride. Other changes included making a PZEV option on FWD CVT models, and making the Sport's suspension more comfortable and smooth.
Compass buyers were equally likely to be men or women (51% women); Patriot buyers were a little more likely to be male (57%), while Jeeps in general tended to skew more male (61%). The median age of the Compass was slightly older than the 42, a little older than the Compass at 39. (All figures from Power Information Network, printed in Automotive News.)
The Jeep Patriot was essentially the same vehicle with a different appearance and suspension design; the Patriot was a more traditional Jeep set up along the lines of the Liberty.
Jeep Compass details
The 2007 Jeep Compass was Jeep’s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics. They first hit the dealerships in late 2006 as a 2007 model.
Jeep Compass’ higher seating position gave drivers an added feeling of control. Compass had 39.3 inches of rear seat leg room, 52.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat; features not typically found in a compact SUV include:
- Standard side-curtain air bags
- Optional Boston Acoustics sound system with two speakers in the liftgate which can swing down for tailgating
- Optional recharging cargo lamp mounted above the cargo area which can snap out of the bezel to be a flashlight
- A sliding center armrest for shorter drivers, with a flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
- Optional 110-volt outlet in the center console
- Optional fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
- Optional 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline 12 degrees
- Vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area is both washable and removable
- YES Essentials® fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration
Jeep Compass had a single engine, the 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds. Two transmissions were available: a five-speed manual transaxle and an optional Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 had optional AutoStick® feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. With CVT2, gas mileage was 6-8% better than a traditional 4-speed automatic. A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine from Volkswagen was available in some markets outside North America.
Compass’ optional full-time 4x4 system was recommended for daily use. The four-wheel-drive “Lock” mode was recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other low-traction surfaces. Both the standard full-time and “Lock” modes included Brake Traction Control, three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. Compass’ standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes provided an excellent 60-0 mph dry pavement stopping distance of 125 ft.
| U.S. Sales | Dodge Caliber | Jeep Compass | Jeep Patriot | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 92,224 | 18,579 | 0 | 110,803 |
| 2007 | 101,079 | 39,491 | 40,434 | 181,004 |
| 2008 | 84,158 | 25,349 | 55,654 | 165,161 |
| 2009 | 36,098 | 11,739 | 31,432 | 79,269 |
| 2010 | (in progress) |
Jeep also provided a full 8 inches of ground clearance, 21.1-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle. Compass features standard 17-inch wheels and all-season touring tires and available 18-inch wheels and all-season performance tires.
| 2008 Liberty | 2008 Compass | 2011 Compass (215/60R17) | 2011 Compass (215/65R17) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approach Angle, degrees (without/with air dam) | 39.1/29.0 | 21.1 | 20.1 | 20.3 |
| Breakover Angle, degrees (with skid plate) | 20.4 | 21 | 20.3 | 21.0 |
| Departure Angle, degrees | 32.1 | 32 | 31.4 | 32.2 |
| Ground clearance, inches | ? | 8 | 8.1 | 8.4 |
Standard Jeep Compass equipment
Standard equipment included side-curtain air bags, ESP, traction control, ABS, a fold-flat vinyl load floor, AM/FM CD radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, cloth seats, 12-volt power outlet, manual windows, locks, and foldaway mirrors, silver interior bezels and door arm rests, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights, floor mats and a center console sliding armrest that moved forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid featured a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player.
| EPA Gas Mileage | 2.0 Manual | 2.0 CVT | 2.4 Manual | 2.4 CVT2 | 2.4 CVT2L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front wheel drive, 2010 |
23/29 | 23/27 | 23/28 | 21/25 | |
| Front wheel drive, 2011 | 23/28 | 21/27 | |||
| 4x4, 2010 | 23/28 | 21/24 | |||
| 4x4, 2011 | 22/28 | 21/26 | 20/23 |
Additional exterior standard features included fog lamps, body-color grille and fascias, body-color bodyside molding, black door handles, accent-color liftgate appliqué and 17-inch aluminum wheels and touring tires.
Optional features on Jeep Compass included four wheel drive, CVT2, seat-mounted side air bags, heated cloth or leather seats, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, air conditioning, power group (which included driver one-touch power windows, power locks, Remote Keyless Entry and power mirrors), deep-tinted glass, security alarm, trailer tow prep package, daytime running lamps, 17-inch all-terrain OWL tires, a full-size spare tire, engine block heater, 110-volt outlet in the center console, a removable, rechargeable interior lamp, fold-flat passenger seat, tonneau cover, speed control, full-size spare tire, map lights, manual seat height adjuster, 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline, passenger assist handles and illuminated entry, YES Essentials® fabric, a Driver Convenience Group (which includes tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror), Leather Interior Group (which includes leather seats, manual lumbar, leather steering wheel with radio controls, heated seats and floor mats), UConnect™ hands-free communication system and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system that featured two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate was open, the speakers could swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities.
The Jeep Compass Limited also was available in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive and featured a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle or an optional CVT2. In addition to the standard features on the Jeep Compass model, the Limited model featured bright front and rear fascia overlays, bright side moldings, 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Leather Interior Group and heated seats.
Beyond those offered on the Jeep Compass model, available options on the Jeep Compass Limited model included: 18-inch chrome clad wheels, sunroof, Driver Convenience Group (which included compass and temperature gauge, tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror), AutoStick and body-color bodyside molding.
All 2007 Jeep Compass models were available in Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.
All models featured a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige.
2007 Jeep Compass Production
Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass began in the second quarter of 2006 at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine that powered the Compass was built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan.
Historical small-Jeep notes
Back in the 1980s , there was a Jeep internal concept car designed on the K platform. While it was off-road capable, many were glad it was not made, given the severe cost-cutting at the time, which would probably have made it a poor compromise in production form. However, the idea was not terrible - take a compact passenger car, beef up the suspension, add four wheel drive, and you get an off-road vehicle that is actually better on-road and less expensive than a custom-designed off-roader would be (at least partly due to economies of scale).
Don’t fear the Compass! (by Steve Kasher)
The Compass. The source of many gnashing teeth amongst the Jeep faithful. And is there reason to fear, perhaps the corruption of the hallowed Jeep image? In honesty, no.
Jeep has always remained true to those who have been loyal to Jeep. The new Wrangler Rubicon is that expression personified. But the all-capable definition has to eventually give way to business realities, and Chrysler has no intention of allowing the Jeep image to stagnate while the competition redefines traditional Jeep segments. Enter the Compass, a viable entry into the small SUV category. At no time was this vehicle referred to as a crossover.
In our interview, Jeff Bell, VP of Jeep Brand, conveyed the division's belief that the KJ Liberty's success in the marketplace (now #1 in its segment) gave planners the confidence to go ahead with the next expansion of the Jeep franchise. “For us it's about inviting more people to join ‘The Club We Call Jeep.’ What we're really talking about is being inclusive in a very exclusive mind set.” The goal for Jeep has been and continues to be becoming and remaining the most capable 4X4 in any segment they compete. To that end, they have not strayed from their mission.
The Compass was a response to prospects who want a more affordable or more eco-friendly or more compact Jeep. Bell refers to the Compass as "world breaking" by its combination of technology: the new dual-VVT World Engine engine, CVT technology, and a Jeep-specific 4 wheel drive system.
As for the Jeepster...
Mr. Bell cites the legions of fans who love the 1949-59 Jeepster, even though it wasn't the same definition as the then CJ line. So, while the Compass will not adhere to many hardcore enthusiasts definition of "Jeep," it will in fact expand upon the already strong Jeep tradition a welcome a whole new group of freedom seekers to the Jeep family.
Jeep Compass Rallye design cues
The Jeep Compass Rallye debuted at the same time as the Jeep Rescue; this concept car shared similar dimensions, but was styled more like the Liberty, and was intended to have a rally-car image, that was, fast dirt off-roading rather than slow rock-climbing and water-traversing.
The Compass styling was intended to look athletic and sleek, so that while it shared the same basic platform as the Patriot, it did look like a completely different chassis. Like the Patriot, it had electronic four wheel drive and off-road components.
Jeep Compass concept car | Jeep Compass car review
Design dimensions
| All Compass | 2007-10 | 2011+ Compass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 103.7 (2635) | ||
| Track, F/R | 59.8 (1520) | ||
| Length | 173.4 (4405) | ||
| Width | 69.3 (1761) | ||
| Height | 64.2 | 65.2 | |
| Overhang F/R | 34.5/35.1 | 34.5/35.2 | |
| Weight, 2WD | (base) | 3089 (1404) | 3082 (1398) |
| Weight, 4WD | (base) | 3,245 (1,472) | 3,247 (1,382) |
| CdA aero | 10.5 FWD, 10.6 4WD | ||
| Weight dist. | 59/41 FWD, 57/43 4WD | ||
| Headroom F/R | (w/out sunroof) | 40.9 / 39.9 | 40.7 / 39.9 |
| Legroom F/R | 40.6 / 39.3 | 40.6 / 39.4 | |
| Shoulder room, F/R | 54.0 | 54.6 | |
| SAE rear seat volume | 49.1 (1.391) | ||
| SAE front seat volume | 55.2 | ||
| SAE interior volume | 101.6 (2.877) | 101.3 (2.87) | |
| Cargo vol., seats up | 21. 9 (0.621) | 22.7 (0.643) | |
| Cargo, seats down | 52.5 (1.487) | 53.6 (1.519) | |
| Interior volume index | 123.5 (3.498) | 124 (3.512) | |
| Distance between wheelhouse interior trim | 38.0 |
The rumors
This was pretty close!
CVT details | 2005 Jeep concept ride-and-drive