2010 Jeep Compass Test Drive

First Impressions

The Compass (view photos) created concerns within the off-road community when this five-passenger compact crossover entered the market three years ago as the first vehicle in the Jeep family not meant for serious four-wheel drive adventures. Value and versatility were the taglines, not trail-rated ruggedness. This is one of the few Jeeps that do not carry the brand’s “Trail Rated” badge of honor.

Breakthrough vehicle or motor misfit? That was the question on the minds of many hardcore Jeep fans. Interestingly, time and driving experience has proven the Compass works well as an entry-level SUV for suburban drivers who had never before considered a Jeep because it led too much of an outdoorsy lifestyle. Just don’t plan on taking this vehicle on anything more extreme than a very flat and graded dirt road.

Although still equipped to handle common four-wheel drive situations, the Compass performance is more on par with a car due to a front-wheel drive system and fully independent suspension. Highlights include two fuel-saving engines (even with 4WD), the functionality of a utility vehicle, and an unbeatable starting price tag of $15,955. Even a fully-loaded Limited trim Compass doesn’t reach $30k.

To further serve this new Jeep market that puts more miles on a daily commute than a trail, a new and smaller 158-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with average fuel economy of 26 mpg is available for the 2010 model.

Pricing, Trims and Options

The Compass comes in Sport X ($15,995), Latitude ($20,995) and Limited ($24,015) trims. The Sport X covers the basics such as cloth-covered bucket seats, roof rails and a radio/CD player. The Latitude adds a stain-resistant seating fabric and air conditioning. And the Limited features bigger 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seats and a 6-disc CD player with a 9-speaker Boston Acoustics system and steering wheel audio controls.

All vehicles come equipped with a Media Center that varies in modern technology conveniences depending upon the additional Uconnect multimedia features purchased and the Compass trim selected. Features include an optional voice command for phone, a 6.5-inch touch-screen display for navigation and even a 3G broadband Internet connection in order to surf the web on a laptop. Choose the Limited trim for the most Uconnect capabilities, from the navigation screen to one year of SIRUIS Traffic service for $1,200.

You can upgrade the Compass by choosing additional packages or “groups” such as the Sun and Sound Group ($1,295) that features a power sunroof with a one-touch tilt and slide feature. The Security and Convenience Group ($670) improves safety with a security alarm and supplemental front airbags. And the Trailer Tow Prep Group ($250) features an engine cooler, full-size spare tire and a trailer tow wiring harness.

Interior Features

The Compass Limited trim of our test ride was well received by neighbors and friends. We can’t say the same about for the Optic Green Metallic paintjob that some observers felt veered dangerously close to Seasick Green on the color wheel. Outdoor aesthetics aside, the interior features are streamlined and simplified. For example, the large three-dial climate control system located on the instrument panel makes it easy to achieve optimal cabin temperature. The angled vents can be turned precisely where direct air flow is needed. The CD player is tucked neatly behind the navigation screen that slides into a horizontal position in order to insert a disc. When gripping the steering wheel, finger tips are directly on the audio controls located behind the wheel. The 4WD has a simple locking feature located in the full-length center console. And the liftgate has an optional remote open-and-close feature. All controls are easy to find and operate.

The darker leather seating with contrast stitching is an excellent interior touch on the Limited. The second¬ row seats are constructed with the perfect amount of firmness and cushion in mind; crafted similar to the driver and front passenger bucket seats instead of a typical bench shape. Headroom is sufficient for all, which makes the Compass far from cramped. Overall the cabin delivered a sporty, spacious and refined feel.

There are definitely a lot of little things to like about the Compass. Unfortunately, this small Jeep is often overshadowed by its crossover competitors like the Subaru Forester and VW Tiguan that swing lot more exciting character and appeal due to fancy panoramic moonroofs and fast turbo engines.

Safety, Quality and Reliability

The Compass earned 5-star crash ratings from the National Highway Safety Transportation Association (NHTSA) in side driver and rear passenger crash tests. Frontal driver and passenger along with rollover earned 4-stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested the Jeep Compass.

Standard safety features on the Compass include:

• Side-curtain air bags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Brake Assist
• Hill-start Assist (HSA) with manual transmission
• Electronic-roll Mitigation (ERM)
• (ABS) with rough-road detection
• Brake-traction Control System (BTCS)
• Driver and front-passenger active head restraints

Buyers be warned: The Compass does not dazzle when it comes to reliability ratings. J.D. Power and Associates awarded the 2010 Compass only 2.5 of five stars for Predicted Reliability, making the Compass below average among its peers. Consumer Reports agrees, pegging reliability at slightly below average compared to most small sports utility vehicles. Does that mean you should completely ignore the 2010 Jeep Compass? Not at all. Just proceed with caution and consider the possibility of multiple trips to the repair shop over the life of the vehicle in your purchase decision.