Jeep® Points in the Right Direction with the 2009 Compass
A revamped interior and new technology.
The 2009 Compass is Jeep’s compact crossover that offers car-like capabilities and top fuel economy. Its smooth ride and trademark rugged styling together with its high-tech amenities plus revamped interior easily propel this vehicle to the top of its class.
Motor Trend reports, “Buyers looking for a sport utility with good road manners and exceptional fuel economy will find most everything they need in the Compass.” One highlight of the 2009 Jeep® Compass is its fully redesigned interior. It gains upgrades to the instrument panel and door trim panels, a new center console with chrome accents and a removable carpeted load floor.
New technology includes a wireless cell phone link, 30GB hard drive for storing digital music and pictures and a navigation system with real-time traffic information. The high-end Limited trim features a six-CD DVD/MP3 player with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Jeep also adds thoughtful conveniences to the Compass such as illuminated cupholders and a flashlight.
Overall, the interior design is more efficient and the materials are higher quality. The Compass offers a comfortable sliding armrest, ample headroom and clever use of space with a number of storage slots that include an open bin on the passenger’s side of the dash. When the rear seat is folded flat, longer items are easily carried and cargo space is maximized, making the Compass fiercely competitive in the compact SUV category.
The five-passenger compact crossover utility vehicle is available in Sport or Limited trims with either a front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive configuration. Standard on all models is a 2.4-lilter DOHC four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that puts out 172 hp and 165 lb/ft of torque. It’s paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission and has the option of an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Optional on the Sport model only is a slightly smaller 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that develops 158 hp with 141 lb/ft of torque.
While the Compass maintains many of Jeep’s trademark features including the seven-slot grille and recognizable round headlamps, it sports a slightly more rounded styling. Kelley Blue Book says, “Crossover styling runs the gamut from spruced-up wagons to shrunken SUVs. The Compass design hits a nice note, closer to the former than the latter.”
Edmunds.com finds the Compass pleasant to drive, especially in town, as its fully independent suspension provides a smooth ride and stable handling around the corners. Its large wheels and tires make maneuvering easy, and this is just the beginning of the Compass driving experience. Cruising on the open road, the Compass offers a quiet ride thanks to new and improved sound deadening materials in the side panels. The 2.4-liter engine with five-speed manual transmission earns a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
The Compass rounds out its stellar list of attributes with a list of standard features including antilock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control with roll mitigation, traction control and supplemental side-curtain front and rear airbags. The Security and Cargo Convenience Package adds front seat-mounted side airbags, heated cloth seats on the Sport, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bluetooth connectivity on the Limited. With the Sun and Sand Package, six upgraded speakers, flip down tailgate speakers, a subwoofer and a sunroof are added.
The optional Rallye Group provides 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a body color kit, bright exhaust tip, driving lamp and spoiler. The “E” Package, optional on the Sport trim, adds full-power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, reclining rear seats, stain-repellent upholstery and more. The Limited trim includes all of the “E” Package features and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, satellite radio and a six-CD in-dash player.
Government crash tests prove that the Compass is one very safe transport with a four-star rating for driver and passenger frontal crash protection and five stars for side protection awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When equipped with the optional front side airbags, the Compass received the best rating possible, “Good,” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
With a starting MSRP of $19,095, it’s hard to find a more complete compact crossover driving experience than that of the 2009 Jeep® Compass. With plenty of new features added to its spacious interior and exceptional handling and capability at an economical price, you’ll be heading in the right direction with the Compass.
