Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV perfect for drivers who are road warriors most days of the week but may travel down the occasional dirt road for a bit of adventure on the weekend. Jeep built the Compass as a sort of gateway to the brand, an affordable SUV with more capability than the typical compact model. This is a perfect vehicle for those who want a smooth ride but also need a little extra power to drive through the mud or take back roads to a country camping spot now and then. Here, we offer a Jeep Compass buyer's guide for those seeking a small SUV that can introduce you to the Jeep brand at a more affordable price.
The Compass fits in between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee in the Jeep lineup, making it a good fit for both individual drivers and small families. While it may not have all the off-road performance of the Wrangler, the Compass is an extremely efficient model, and it offers more off-road-ready capabilities than you might expect––particularly in the Trail Rated Compass Trailhawk trim. This affordable option from Jeep is a great choice for all sorts of drivers and has enough options and customization to fit a wide range of uses.
Newly redesigned for 2022, the Compass continues to bridge the gap for those looking for a trail-capable SUV without stepping into more rugged territory with a model like the Wrangler. The 2022 Compass achieves the perfect balance of ruggedness and innovation as Jeep promises the newest iteration is the most connected and technically advanced model yet. So, how does the Compass live up to this promise?
The 2022 Compass remains true to its Jeep roots and offers two four-wheel drive systems and Jeep's renowned Selec-Terrain traction management system. Jeep Active Drive is a fully automatic four-wheel drive system that optimizes torque in low-traction conditions. In contrast, Jeep Active Drive Low readies the Compass Trailhawk for more rugged off-road adventures with its lower gear range and improved crawl ratio. The Selec-Terrain system improves this capability and outfits the Compass with Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock modes that tailor the SUV's performance to the terrain or condition.
The most significant update for the 2022 Compass is its expansive suite of technology that adds to its value and guarantees to keep you connected and informed wherever the road or trail leads. The heart of this technology is the 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 center stack display and the 10.25-inch frameless digital cluster behind the steering wheel. The Uconnect 5 system outfits the Compass with wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five customizable user profiles, TomTom navigation, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and Alexa "Car to Home" functionality that equips the Compass with a virtual assistant.
With over 75 advanced safety tools at your fingertips, the 2022 Compass offers the most available safety features in its class. Most impressive is that many of these features come standard on the Compass, including Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection that constantly monitors the roadway ahead for potential collisions. Active Lane Management with LaneSense Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist makes staying in your lane easier, while Blind-Spot Monitoring minimizes the risk of side-impact collisions when changing lanes. You'll also find Rear Cross Path Detection is a standard tool that keeps an eye on the Compass' rear by alerting you to traffic crossing behind the SUV when in reverse.
New options like Highway Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition are among the Compass' many advanced safety features. Highway Assist introduces motorists to semi-autonomous driving and relies on sensors, radars, and cameras to provide steering support and lane centering. At the same time, Adaptive Cruise Control constantly adjusts the Compass' cruising speed based on the flow of traffic. Traffic Sign Recognition works with features like Adaptive Cruise Control by posting the speed limit and various road conditions like "Do Not Pass," work, or school zones to the driver's digital instrument display. This leaves no question about the speed limit or if you're in an area where passing is restricted.
The first generation of the Jeep Compass was introduced for the 2007 model year. This was Jeep's very first front-wheel drive SUV, adding a more efficient option to its lineup of serious off-roaders. Built for road-oriented drivers interested in the Jeep brand, the Compass gave drivers a small SUV that could potentially draw them into the brand with traditional Jeep capability made for traveling on the pavement.
The 2007 Compass instantly earned its place in the Jeep lineup with its signature seven-slot grille and round headlights. Its interior blended function and style with unique details like the one-piece steel liftgate with articulating speakers designed to deliver an immersive listening experience. Flexible seating options like the flat-folding front passenger seat and 60/40 flat-folding rear seats added versatility, making the Compass capable of meeting various passenger and cargo-hauling needs.
The first-generation Compass was given a dramatic refresh in 2011, with new styling inspired by the luxurious Grand Cherokee. This update was significant enough that you might mistake the 2011 model as a new generation of the vehicle, but underneath the more stylish exterior, the Compass remained largely unchanged. However, given its reliable performance, that was far from a bad thing.
The beautifully redesigned 2011 Compass ushered the SUV into a new era of capability by earning its Trail Rated badge. Available on the Compass with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, the Compass established itself as one of the most capable compact SUVs in the segment. Even more impressive is that this capability didn't come at the cost of efficiency. When outfitted with Jeep's proven 172-horsepower 2.4L engine, the 2011 Compass gets up to 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
So, what should you consider when buying a first-generation Compass?
After a decade on the market, the Compass received its first ground-up redesign for the 2017 model year. This complete redesign used a new platform, new engine, new styling, and more to improve the ride on roadways while also offering superior off-road performance. The second generation also introduced the even more capable Trailhawk trim, wearing Jeep's prestigious Trail Rated badge. Equipped with standard four-wheel drive, a suspension lift, and more off-road features, the Compass Trailhawk took this small SUV to the next level, proving that the Compass was indeed a Jeep.
The 2017 redesign introduced Compass drivers to Jeep's iconic open-air driving experience with its dual-pane sunroof. It also notably added smartphone integration to the SUV via a 5.0, 7.0, or 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Say "hello" to seamless connectivity.
Later models of the Compass introduced a new suite of advanced driver-assist features. These features started with Adaptive Cruise Control in 2019. Jeep's Advanced Safety Group followed in 2020, equipping the SUV with Forward Collision Warning-Plus, automatic high-beam headlamps, Advanced Brake Assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Lane Departure Warning-Plus. Jeep has since added to these features, with the 2021 Compass offering additional standard tools like rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and park assist technology.
So, what should you consider when buying a second-generation Compass?
When Jeep refreshed the Compass for the 2011 model year, the compact SUV received both updates to its design and a new set of features and available options. One of the most exciting additions was the famous Trail Rated capability that came with the available off-road package that could be added to either of the two available trims.
Basic features include 17-inch wheels, heated wing mirrors, powered accessories, and an auxiliary audio jack for your smartphone. For the entry-level trim, the Latitude package upgraded seat options like height adjustment and heat and added a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The upper trim in the 2011 Compass has 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, leather seats, and upgrades to the audio system. Optional packages for both trims include the Security and Cargo Convenience Group, which adds a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, security alarm, and potentially remote start if the Compass has an automatic transmission.
Upgrading to a model with the Sun and Sound Group does just what the name indicates, with an added sunroof and upgraded speakers. To gain the off-road option, the Freedom-Drive II Off-Road package delivers four-wheel drive, upgraded engine cooling, all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and even a low-range driving mode if the automatic transmission is equipped. Without the off-road package, front-wheel drive is standard.
For 2012, Jeep changed the trim levels from two to three, naming them Sport, Latitude, and Limited. Many of the same features for the 2011 Compass models were divided among the three trims, but the Limited has a more powerful engine standard. With this change, the Sport trim is limited to only a few packages, including the off-road package and the security and convenience packages. The two upper trims have access to the other packages available for the Compass.
2013 saw the addition of the All-Weather Capability Group, which adds all-weather floor mats, all-terrain tires, and tow hooks. With the 2014 Compass, a refresh to the design upgraded the interior and exterior styling and offered more passive safety features. Conveniences like heated exterior mirrors and a removable, rechargeable flashlight are found on all trims, but the optional packages are more segmented to trim levels.
Fortunately, the off-road package remains available to all trims, with new packages for the Sport that add powered accessories or larger wheels and heated seats. Upper trims gain packages for larger wheels, conveniences like upgraded audio and media systems, and leather seats.
In 2015, Jeep added two trims to the lineup with the Altitude and High Altitude Edition, which upgraded the Sport and Latitude trims with features previously offered in packages, such as larger wheels, upgrades in seating, and a sunroof for the High Altitude. In 2016, the Limited trim was dropped, and the Altitude was renamed the Sport SE. Features include standard Bluetooth and satellite radio on top of the other features mentioned in previous years.
Packages like the Power Value Group add powered accessories and remote keyless entry for the base Sport trim. For the High Altitude edition, this upgrades the Latitude upper trim with a sunroof, chrome details, and lumbar controls. Several other packages can add upgrades to the audio system, convenience features, and off-road equipment.
The second-generation Jeep Compass was introduced in 2017, but new and old models were sold during the same year side by side. When you find the new generation models, they incorporate a lot of new features like the Trailhawk trim level built specifically for off-roading, the new Uconnect infotainment system, and a new platform to improve the ride quality and handling.
Four trim levels were available at the start of the second generation, with the Trailhawk being the top-tier model that features a higher ride height, improved departure and approach angles, standard all-wheel drive, and the Selec-Terrain system for choosing drive modes to suit the terrain. The Jeep Compass can't do what the Wrangler can off-road, but the Compass Trailhawk has far more capability than most SUVs in its segment.
Since the second generation came out, a few more standard features have been added over the years, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2019 and automatic dual-zone climate control in 2020. Most of the packages and trims have remained the same in this newest generation, with more passive and active safety features added over time across the trim levels.
Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram provides you with a hassle-free buying experience when you purchase a vehicle from us. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff has many years of experience finding the best possible vehicle to match your needs while sticking to your budget. If you choose to buy online, you can count on an up-to-date online inventory and a team of experienced staff to make the process simple and stress-free.
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The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV built for those who spend most of their time on the road but still want to enjoy Jeep capability when the roads get rough. If you love the Jeep brand but don't see yourself riding trails or off-roading regularly, the Jeep Compass may be the perfect vehicle for you. Ride quality in a Compass will be pleasant on the highways, but you get better handling and ruggedness than most compact SUVs because Jeep knows how to build vehicles that can handle the toughest terrain. You will be the driver who can take that back country road when the rest of the SUVs have to turn back. Test-drive a Jeep Compass at Orange Coast CJDR today and discover how good Jeep ownership can be.
