The Jeep Compass
Back in the 1980s , there was a Jeep internal concept car designed on the K platform. While it was off-road capable, many are 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 is 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).
The Jeep Compass brings Jeep styling and capabilities to another car platform - in this case, the Caliber platform. The Compass looks somewhat like the Liberty, but it is to go up against Subaru as a rally car — a different kind of four wheel driving than Jeep has been associated with. The Jeep Compass with four wheel drive is priced starting at $17,805, just under the base Subaru Impreza, with mileage quite good for a Jeep at 25 city, 29 highway (the two wheel drive version has better mileage and starts at $15,985). It has both manual and automatic transmissions available. (The Jeep Patriot is essentially the same vehicle with a different appearance and suspension design; the Patriot is a more traditional Jeep set up along the lines of the Liberty.)
Compass buyers are equally likely to be men or women (51% women); Patriot buyers are a little more likely to be male (57%), while Jeeps in general tend to skew more male (61%). The median age of the Compass is slightly older than the 42, a little older than the Compass at 39. (All figures from Power Information Network, printed in Automotive News.)
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 Group has no intention of allowing the Jeep image to stagnate while the competition redefines traditional Jeep segments. Enter the Compass, a viable and capable entry into the small SUV category. At no time was this vehicle referred to as a "crossover," only a "compact SUV."
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 and its nature were actually more a result and response to prospects who want a more affordable or more eco-friendly or more compact kind of Jeep. For its segment, Bell refers to the Compass as "world breaking" by combining all the technology into a one-of-a-kind package. The new World Engine 2.4 litre, producing 172 bhp, combined with new CVT technology and propelling a Jeep-specific AND capable 4 wheel drive system.
"Jeep doesn't tell you how to express your freedom" said Mr. Bell. "It empowers you to do it." And freedom and its expression will continue to be repeated as trademarks of Jeep.
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.
More information
The 2007 Jeep Compass is 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. Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep, said, “With Compass, Jeep continues to grow by offering a modern-styled Jeep designed to reach consumers who may not have previously considered the brand. Jeep Compass provides 4x4 confidence, brand cachet and the inspiring sense of excitement and adventure that only Jeep can offer.”
The 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models will be available in U.S. dealerships and global volume markets in the third quarter of 2006.
The Jeep Compass targets single or recently married educated professionals in their early 20s to early 40s, who are independent and family-oriented. These buyers skew female and earn a median income of $60,000. Fifty percent are college educated.
“The Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name.”
The Jeep Compass features the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, the all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windshield, expressive hood and deep fascia, gives the Jeep Compass its modern, yet capable appearance. 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard and 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels are available.
Jeep Compass’ flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Compass has 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. In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:
- Standard side-curtain air bags
- Available Boston Acoustics sound system includes two speakers in the liftgate which can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
- Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
- A sliding center armrest moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
- Available 110-volt outlet in the center console powers small electronics
- Available fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
- Available 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 engines and transmissions
Compass features a standard 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. This World Engine produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in this price class.
Jeep Compass also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler engineers calibrated for engine response, precise ratio control, and an available AutoStick® feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8 percent compared with a traditional 4-speed automatic.
A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine will be available for markets outside North America.
Jeep 4x4 Capability and Safety
Compass’ available active, full-time 4x4 system is recommended for daily use, including driving in snow and rain. The four-wheel-drive “Lock” mode is recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other low-traction surfaces. Both the standard full-time and “Lock” modes include many standard safety features including: Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled 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 provide an excellent 60-0 mph dry pavement stopping distance of 125 ft.
Added Jeep capability is evident from Compass’ 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.
Standard Jeep Compass equipment
Standard equipment includes: standard 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 moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player.
Additional exterior standard features include 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 include four-wheel-drive capability, a second-generation 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 includes 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 — an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration, 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 features two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities.
The Jeep Compass Limited also is available in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive and features 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 features 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 include: 18-inch chrome clad wheels, sunroof, Driver Convenience Group (which includes compass and temperature gauge, tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror), AutoStick and body-color bodyside molding.
All 2007 Jeep Compass models will be 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 feature 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 begins in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine that powers the Compass is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan.
Jeep Compass Rallye design cues
The Jeep Compass Rallye debuted at the same time as the Jeep Rescue; this concept car shares similar dimensions, but is styled more like the Liberty, and is intended to have a rally-car image, that is, fast dirt off-roading rather than slow rock-climbing and water-traversing.
The Compass styling is intended to look athletic and sleek, so that while it shares the same basic platform as the Patriot, it does look like a completely different chassis. Like the Patriot, it will have electronic four wheel drive and off-road components.
For more information on the original Jeep Compass concept car, click here.
Design dimensions
Wheelbase 103.7 (2635)
Track, Front 59.8 (1520)
Track, Rear 59.8 (1520)
Overall Length 173.4 (4404.8)
Overall Width 69.3 (1760.7)
Overall Height 64.2 (1631.7)
Overhang, Front 34.5 (877.0)
Overhang, Rear 35.1 (892.8)
NAFTA Curb Weight, lb. (kg) – Est. Base 2WD 3089 (1404)
Base 4WD 3245 (1472)
Limited 2WD 3196 (1450)
Limited 4WD 3351 (1520)
Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (L) 13.6 (51.5) – 2WD
13.5 (51.1) – 4WDAccommodations
Seating Capacity, F/R 2/3
Front Seat:
Headroom without sunroof 40.9 (1038.5)
Leg Room 40.6 (1032.1)
Shoulder Room 54.6 (1387.0)
Hip Room 54.0 (1328.8)
SAE Front Seat Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 55.2 (1.486)Rear Seat:
Headroom 39.9 (1013.8)
Leg Room 39.3 (997.7)
Knee Clearance 1.8 (44.9)
Shoulder Room 54.0 (1371.9)
Hip Room 51.0 (1294.5)
SAE Rear Seat Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 49.1 (1.391)SAE Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 101.6 (2.877)
Cargo Volume Indexes:
Rear Seats Up, cu. ft. (cu. m) 21. 9 (0.621)
Rear Seats Folded, cu. ft. (cu. m) 52.5 (1.487)
Front Passenger Seat Folded and Rear Seats Folded, cu. ft. (cu. m) 60.7 (1.719)EPA Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 123.5 (3.498)
Liftover Height 30.5 (773.6)
See our main concept cars page | Our 2005 Jeep concept ride-and-drive
