Test Drive: 2014 Jeep Compass Limited

Review and photos by Peter Bleakney

It’s fair to say the Compass is the least “manly” vehicle currently roaming the Jeep corral. But it certainly isn’t fair to dismiss it on those grounds. Compact soft-roaders are big business these days, so it only makes sense Chrysler would leverage the Jeep name to get in on the action.

Problem is, Jeep has been fighting an uphill battle with this cute ute ever since it was introduced in 2007. Yes, it’s been around that long.

Based on the Dodge Caliber (not the greatest starting point) the Compass was certainly cheap to buy, but the abominable plastic interior and noisy drivetrain placed it at the back of the pack. Its awkward styling and googley eyes didn’t help either. The Compass’ more macho-styled and mechanically identical sister vehicle, the Patriot, outsold it – and still does.

For 2009 the Compass got an improved interior, and a 2011 major refresh bestowed more sound insulation, cabin upgrades, improved suspension and a snout that apes big brother Grand Cherokee.

2014 Jeep Compass Limited. Click image to enlarge

And so we come to the 2014 Compass, a vehicle that’s had more “work done” than Joan Rivers.

Compass starts at $17,245 for the base Sport 4×2 front-drive five-speed manual model with no air conditioning. My tester is the top-line Limited 4×4 with a base price of $27,795. It still carries the old 2.4L “World Engine” (developed with Hyundai and Mitsubishi) under the hood, and yes, this 172-hp, 165 lb-ft  four is hardly the picture of refinement, but for 2014 Jeep has ditched the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a traditional six-speed auto. This is a $1,495 upgrade over the standard five-speed stick.

While this might seem counter to an industry that more and more embraces the CVT for its fuel-saving benefits, in the case of the Compass it mitigates much of the horrid engine drone that its CVT induced. And yes, this engine can drone when pressed.

And that’s what you’ll be doing when looking for some meaningful giddy-up. The Compass is not swift, and I found highway merging and passing required a fully planted right hoof and a fair bit of faith. As with most modern automatic transmissions, this one is mapped for maximum fuel economy – it upshifts early and hangs on to those taller gears as long as possible

Once up to speed the Compass is stable and relatively serene on the highway, showing 2,500 rpm at 120 km/h.

As a daily runabout, the 2014 Compass Limited 4×4 is certainly an agreeable compact crossover. The aforementioned years of gradual improvements result in an alert chassis, nicely weighted and linear steering, and a pretty refined ride. The brakes feel strong and linear too.

Structurally, the Compass comes across as a solid piece. New this year in the Limited is available Saddle Tan perforated hide with contrast stitching that lends an upscale air. Other 2014 interior upgrades include satin chrome finish on the centre bezel, shifter bezel and pull cups, and a new dash bin applique with badge.

Yes, the dash is still hard plastic, but where it counts the Compass gets it right. I found the heated six-way leather seat with manual lumbar both comfortable and supportive, and the armrests and door panels are nicely padded. The steering wheel is trimmed in soft, tactile leather not far from that found in the Range Rover I recently tested.

The back seats are also contoured for comfort, they recline slightly, and legroom and headroom is generous. They quickly fold forward to create a flat load floor.

Controls are big and simple to operate, although the central gauges look small and dated – especially the speedo with its tiny numbers. This Limited’s touchscreen head is a familiar unit – it’s been kicking around the Chrysler camp for a dog’s age. Works fine, and jeez, when I was on a Ferrari California event a few years back, the darned thing was front and centre there too. I just about fainted.

The Limited also gets standard leather-wrapped parking brake handle, Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC), SiriusXM Radio with one-year subscription, auto-dimming rearview mirror, bi-function projector halogen headlamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels, automatic temperature control, universal garage door opener, bright exhaust tip and bright accent on rear fascia.

Transport Canada rates the Compass Limited 4×4 at 10.0 L/100 km city and 7.4 L/100 km highway. My week of mostly highway duty netted 10.0 L/100 km.

This tester was loaded up with a bunch of options on top of the $1,495 six-speed auto. Add $1,050 for the Sun/Sound group that bestows a sunroof and Boston Acoustic audio with a pair of party-ready speakers that flip down from the tailgate, $225 for the trailer tow package (907 kg/2,000 lb) and $195 for the Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat.

The $570 Security and Cargo Convenience Group is pretty much required, providing voice command with Bluetooth, a cargo cover, alarm, USB and remote start. The UConnect CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/Navigation with 40-gig hard drive added another $1,200.

2014 Jeep Compass Limited. Click image to enlarge

While the Compass’ mission is to appeal to the soft-roader crowd, there’s still a fair amount of Jeep DNA that creeps through. The interior is more tough than trendy, there’s a handy 110-volt outlet between the front seats, the rear dome light doubles as a clever removable flashlight, and on the steering wheel is a button that brings up the compass pronto in the centre display.

The Freedom Drive I is a slip-and-grip 4×4 system, meaning it normally runs in fuel-conscious front-drive mode but will send power aft if needed. For more demanding conditions, a button between the seats puts it in 4×4 Lock mode where front to rear torque split varies from 80/20 to 50/50 depending on conditions.

If you’re really serious about losing this crossover’s Jeep-grilled panty-waist poseur stigma, fit it with the optional $750 Freedom II 4×4 system (only available with CVT). This bestows the coveted Trail Rated badge.

Thus equipped, the Compass gets a 19:1 low-range gear (an extra pulley in the CVT), a 2.5 cm increase in ride height, tow hooks, full-size spare, hill descent control, brake lock differentials front and rear, P215/65R17 all terrain tires, skid plates, a recontoured front fascia for improved approach angle and the ability to ford 483 mm of water.

Having driven this version at a rough-and-tumble Jeep event, I can attest to its bona fide off-road capabilities. However, we hear that Jeep has a couple of other options in its showrooms that might exceed this cute ute’s capabilities, even in its most aggressive trim. You may have heard of them: Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.

2014 Jeep Compass Limited. Click image to enlarge

But in the real world, this option counts for little.

The 2014 model is no doubt the best Compass yet, and in isolation it’s perfectly agreeable, showing good driving dynamics, fuel economy and passenger comfort. It also has pricing in its favour when looking at many competitors. This optioned-up Limited 4×4 comes in at $32,730 which undercuts a similarly equipped Honda CR-V Limited by about $3,000.

Ah, but the competition is fierce down here in the cute-ute arena. The all-new Honda is a better vehicle and last year it posted an all-time Canadian sales record for that model at 33,339 units.

In contrast, Jeep moved barely 6,000 of its aging Compasses. However, I’d put money on this 2014 model with the new six-speed automatic transmission to do better. Just don’t challenge any other cute-utes to a drag race.

Pricing: 2014 Jeep Compass Limited 4×4
Base price: $17,245
Base price (Limited): $27,795
Optional equipment: Cherry Red paint $195; Sun/Sound Group $1,050; Trailer Tow prep $225; Security and Cargo Convenience Group $570; six-speed auto $1,495; UConnect with navi $1,200; full size spare $200
A/C Tax: $100
Destination Charge: $1,595
Price as tested: $34,425

Competitors:
Chevy Trax
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-5
Mitsubishi RVR
Subaru XV Crosstrek
Toyota RAV4