Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass
2011-present Jeep Compass (US)
Overview
Manufacturer	Jeep (Chrysler)
Production	2006[1]– present
Model years	2007 – present
Assembly	United States: Belvidere, Illinois (Belvidere Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler PM/MK platform
Related	BAW 007 Dodge Caliber Jeep Patriot Mitsubishi Lancer Mitsubishi Outlander
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L World I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L VW I4 (turbo diesel) 2.2 L OM651 I4 (turbo diesel) 2.4 L World I4 (gasoline)
Transmission	5-speed Magna T355 manual 6-speed Aisin BG6 manual 6-speed Hyundai 6F24 automatic CVT Jatco JF011E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.7 in (2,634 mm)
Length	173.4 in (4,404 mm)
Width	69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Height	64.2 in (1,631 mm) 2007–09 65.2 in (1,656 mm) 2010–:

The Jeep Compass (MK49) is a compact crossover SUV introduced for the 2007 model year by Jeep. The Jeep Compass, along with the Patriot both slot below the Jeep Wrangler as Jeep's entry-level sport utility vehicles, and is one of Jeep's first crossover SUVs. The Compass was built on Chysler MK platform, sharing many characteristics with closely related Dodge Caliber.

The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot are to be phased out by 2018 and be replaced by an SUV using either of the names.^[2][3]

History

Concept

Four years prior to the introduction of the production Jeep Compass, a concept vehicle with the same name had its world premiere in Detroit at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. It featured a two-door body, all-wheel drive and a 3.7-liter V6 engine.^[4]

The 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine from the Jeep Liberty did not make it into the all-new Compass for 2007, though the production model Compass kept the concept car's styling cues and some of its features. The production model compass also had four doors instead of the two doors on the concept car.

Introduction

2007-10 Jeep Compass (US)

2008 Jeep Compass Limited (Australia; pre-facelift)

Jeep debuted the production version of the Compass at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The first Compass was assembled on May 30, 2006, in Belvidere, Illinois, where the Dodge Neon was produced.

The Compass did not carry the "Trail Rated" badge found on other SUVs in the Jeep family for the 2007-2010 model years, but received the "Trail Rated" badge for the 2011 model year. This indicates that the Compass targets first-time Jeep buyers and those who drive primarily on paved roads.

The Compass and Patriot are both based on the DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi GS platform. These vehicles are differentiated by their styling and marketing: The Patriot is a traditionally styled 4-door Jeep wagon, while the Compass shares a more hatchback look, similar in terms to the Dodge Caliber.^[5]

Facelift

For 2011, Jeep redesigned the Compass to more closely resemble the Grand Cherokee, while keeping its own identity. The 2011 Jeep Compass also receives a revised suspension for better handling, a revised interior with more standard equipment, and more option packages including a Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package which includes a continuously variable transmission fitted with a low-range setting, all-terrain tires inside 17-inch aluminum wheels, skid plates, a four-wheel-drive system, and an increase ground clearance of a full inch.^[6]

A special edition Compass model commemorated Jeep’s 70th anniversary in 2011, and included various upgrades, special interiors, badges, wheels, and was available in only three exterior colors: Bronze Star, Bright Silver, and Black.^[7]

Powertrain

The Compass uses a 172 hp (128 kW) 2.4 L World I4 gasoline engine. The 2.0 L World engine is available on the 4X2 Sport model with 158 hp (118 kW). A 2.0 L l-R4 TDi 103 kW (138 hp; 140 PS) Volkswagen-designed diesel engine was available for the European and Australian markets, replaced in 2011 by the 2.2 L Mercedes-Benz OM651.

The Compass also features two electronically controlled four-wheel drive systems. Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II, Freedom Drive I is a full-time four-wheel drive system with locking capabilities; Freedom Drive II is based on Freedom Drive I but by using the vehicle's CVT transmission it is capable of a 19:1 gear reduction simulating a low-range usually found in vehicles with dedicated transfer cases.

The base model version has front wheel drive (FWD), a first for any Jeep.^[8] The Trail Rated version of the Compass has passed the same testing of off-road ability as other Jeep vehicles in terms of traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording.

Models

Rear view of 2014 Jeep Compass Sport (Australia; facelift)

The three basic models of Compass are Sport, Latitude, and Limited.

The Sport serves as the base model. It includes features such as seventeen-inch alloy wheels, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers, a heater, cloth seating surfaces, and manual, roll-up windows and manual door locks. Features such as power windows and door locks, a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a 368-watt external amplifier, and air conditioning are options. The 2014-2016 Jeep Compass Sport and Sport SE, The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) does not come as standard equipment. An EVIC gives the user information such as gas mileage, number of miles to empty, service intervals, tire pressure, etc.

The Latitude is the midrange model. It added features onto the Sport, such as air conditioning, keyless entry, a security system, and power windows and door locks. The EVIC comes as an optional component with the Security and Cargo Convenience Group.^[9] This option comes with Security Alarm, Soft Tonneau Cover, Tire Pressure Monitoring Display, Universal Garage Door Opener, and Electronic Vehicle Information Center. The model became available in 2011.

The Limited is the top-of-the-line model. It added features such as leather-trimmed seats, had an available sunroof, and remote starter.

A 70th Anniversary Edition was based on the Sport model. It added air conditioning, unique leather-trimmed seats, unique alloy wheels, a sunroof, side-impact airbags, a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a 368-watt external amplifier, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, and a security alarm. This special edition model was only offered in 2011 to celebrate Jeep's 70th anniversary. All Jeep models for 2011 only offered a 70th Anniversary Edition model (Compass, Patriot, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Liberty, and the Grand Cherokee).

An Altitude Edition model was made available in 2012. It was based upon the Latitude model, and added black-painted alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a sunroof, and a Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a 368-watt external amplifier. The Altitude package was available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee only at first, but then was available on the Compass, Patriot, Wrangler, and Wrangler Unlimited as well. All models except the Jeep Grand Cherokee dropped this model (the Grand Cherokee model continued to offer this model for the 2013 model year). The Altitude name was chosen in a contest to name a Grand Cherokee concept car. Because of the Altitude's popularity, Jeep decided to offer it on all models except for the Jeep Liberty.

Safety

The Compass was safety tested by Euro NCAP in 2012 and earned only a two star rating.^[10]

Euro NCAP test results
Jeep Compass (2012)[11]
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	22	61%
Child occupant:	37	76%
Pedestrian:	8	23%
Safety assist:	3	43%

NHTSA 2013 Compass:^[12]

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover AWD:	/ 16.4%

Sales

Calendar Year	United States	Canada	Other	Total
2006[13]	18,579	2,504
2007[14]	39,491	10,229
2008[15]	25,349	9,423
2009[16]	11,739	5,176
2010[17]	15,894	4,610
2011[18]	47,709	6,619
2012[19]	40,235	6,003
2013[20]	52,993	6,228	62,405	121,626
2014[21]	61,264	5,808	67,557	134,629
2015[22]	66,698	3,729	38,199	108,626

Notes

1. "Jeep Compass Production Launch". worldcarfans.com. 31 May 2006. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
2. "It’s Official: Jeep Wrangler Pickup Is Coming in 2017". blog.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
3. "Jeep confirms pickup; new SUV to be Patriot or Compass". Detroit News. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
4. "Jeep Compass concept vehicle". www.ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
5. Kranz, Rick (13 June 2005). "Jeep will reportedly build two car-based vehicles". AutoWeek. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
6. Nagy, Chris (14 December 2010). "Jeep Resets Compass on New Course in 2011". Automoblog.net. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
7. Kirby (1 November 2011). "2011 Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition". www.topspeed.com. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
8. McCraw, Jim (12 April 2006). "The First Front-Wheel-Drive Jeep". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
9. http://www.jeep.com. Retrieved 2016-01-18. Missing or empty |title= (help)
10. "2012 Jeep Compass". euroncap.com. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
11. "Euro NCAP results for Jeep Compass" (PDF). euroncap.com. 2012.
12. "2013 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
13. "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail". CheersandGears.com. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
14. "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail". CheersandGears.com. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
15. "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
16. "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 5 January 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
17. "Chrysler Group LLC December 2010 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
18. "Chrysler Group LLC December 2011". Retrieved 23 June 2014.
19. "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent" (Press release). Chrysler Group LLC. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
20. "Jeep Brand Records New All-time Global Sales Record in 2013" (Press release). Chrysler Group. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
21. "Jeep Brand Records New All-time Global Sales Record in 2013" (Press release). Chrysler Group. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
22. "Jeep® Brand Records Fourth Consecutive Global Sales Record" (Press release). Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. Retrieved 5 January 2016.

External links

• Official website
• Jeep Compass at the Internet Movie Cars Database