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Thursday, May 19, 2011
The 2011 Jeep Compass goes into production in early-to-mid October 2010 and in November and December is expected to start arriving at dealerships, the Jeep Compass is the first front-wheel drive vehicle created by Jeep. This crossover vehicle combines a traditional SUV design with a frame found on the Dodge Caliber rather than a heavier truck frame. It is a 5-seater that has a 60/40 folding rear seat.
The new 2011 Jeep Compass with four-door SUVs continues to provide an economical choice for the budget-conscious Jeep customer. To further attract potential buyers, the 2011 Jeep Compass offers excellent fuel economy that compares well to compact cars. If you are looking for a 4-wheel drive vehicle that will see primarily on-road use, the 2011 Jeep Compass deserves your attention. While it may not compare to the other Jeep models’ rugged off-road capabilities, the 2011 Jeep Compass will give you the Jeep look and a fun ride around town.
The 2011 Jeep Compass rides much like a car for a good reason. Underneath the Jeep Compass body, this vehicle is based on the Dodge Caliber design to provide car-like handling with a higher ground clearance. One of the few Jeep vehicles that offer a fully independent suspension, the 2011 Jeep Compass provides a smooth on-road ride and fun handling characteristics.
Standard equipment on the base Compass includes 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, foglamps, heated sideview mirrors, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Latitude package adds heated front seats, driver seat height adjuster, a fold-flat front passenger seat, reclining rear seats, a 115-volt auxiliary power point and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
The Limited includes all the preceding features and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome accents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, leather upholstery, satellite radio and an in-dash six-CD changer.
There are several packages available on both trims. The Security and Cargo Convenience Group adds a security alarm, front side airbags, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (base), a trip computer (base), a USB port (Limited) and Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth (Limited). Remote start is also included if the vehicle is equipped with the CVT.
The Sun and Sound Group adds upgraded speakers (including a pair that flip and face outward from the opened tailgate), a sunroof and, for the base model, satellite radio. The Media Center option adds a hard-drive-based navigation system, digital music storage and a USB audio jack.
The Freedom-Drive II Off-Road package includes active 4WD, a low-range mode for the CVT, engine oil cooler, hill ascent/descent assist, 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, a driver seat height adjuster and all-season floor mats.
As for mechanicals, the Compass benefits from similar suspension upgrades as seen on the 2011 Patriot (and the 2011 Dodge Caliber, another platform-mate); these include higher-rate springs and shock absorbers, as well as a thicker rear anti-roll bar. There’s also a new All-Weather Capability package, which equips the SUV with Goodyear all-terrain tires, an engine-block heater, tow hooks, daytime running lights, and all-weather floor mats so your carpet won’t get all mussed when you drive your Compass in a typhoon, which is nice.
There are no powertrain changes: A 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard on base and Latitude models, while a 172-hp, 2.4-liter unit is optional on those two trims and standard on the Limited. A five-speed manual is standard on the entry-level Compass, with a continuously variable transmission being optional; the CVT is standard for Latitude and Limited models.
Front-wheel drive is the default arrangement, while two different all-wheel-drive systems can be equipped. Freedom Drive I carries over from last year; it’s an active AWD system that can be locked into all-wheel-drive mode. New for 2011 is the Freedom Drive II package, a more robust setup that was previously only available on the Patriot. It bundles low-range gearing, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, and a one-inch suspension lift, and is designed for those who want to try serious off-roading with their Compass—a demographic we didn’t know existed.
The revised Compass will be in dealerships by the end of this month. While the new Grand Cherokee is both highly capable off-road and very competent on pavement, the Compass has heretofore been pretty terrible to drive, so regardless of the new suspension, any resemblance between the GC and this SUV may only be skin deep. Still, Chrysler has done a very good job instilling competence in many of its previously disappointing products—witness the Sebring-turned-200—and we’re looking forward to finding out if that’s the case with the Compass.
Standard safety features include stability control with a rollover sensor, full-length side curtain airbags and traction control. Front-seat side airbags are optional.
The Jeep Compass has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new tests) were four out of five stars for frontal-impact crash protection and five stars for side-impact protection.
In Edmunds testing, a Compass Limited 4X4 on Firestone Firehawk GTA 215/55R18 tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet.
MSRP: $18,720
Engine: 2.4 Liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline, 2.0 Liter Turbo diesel
EPA Estimated Mileage: 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined
Horsepower: 172 hp
Drive: Front-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive
Towing Capacity: 2000 pounds
Transmission: 6-speed manual, automatic
Torque: 4400
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.6 gallons
Wheelbase: 103.7 inches
reference:financeshared.com,www.edmunds.com,www.caranddriver.com
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