The desire for a car that combines generous cargo room, good fuel economy and a modest price tag is key for a large segment of vehicle buyers, probably even more so nowadays given our soft economy and

Bright lower body mouldings and wheels set the Compass Limited apart from its more mundane stablemates. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

gas prices that remain relatively high. What’s more, people continue to gravitate towards vehicles with 4x4 capabilities so they can take to the rough roads and trails of the backcountry in pursuit of active lifestyles. Throw in some increasingly wild weather thanks to climate change and even dedicated city folk are thinking about the advantages of four wheel drive — I know I wish I had a 4x4 vehicle to brave Vancouver's recent snowy months!

But not everyone wants to buy a large 4x4 SUV, or can afford to. So how do auto manufacturer’s respond to conflicting consumer demands for big space, high fuel economy, modest price tag and backcountry capability? Well, Jeep dealt with these demands by introducing the Compass in 2006 (as a 2007 model year), giving buyers the option of a small crossover available with all the above features, plus Jeep flare.

The Compass doesn't sport Jeep's “Trail Rated” badge because it's based on a front wheel drive platform and designed primarily for on-road use. It therefore doesn't meet strict Trail Rated criteria in regards to traction, maneuverability and ground clearance.

The interior is the big story for the Compass in 2009. It has been entirely renewed with improved materials and a new centre stack design. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

But that said, even a base Compass will get you a lot further into the backcountry than your average sedan, and all but the lowliest model is available with Jeep's signature Freedom-Drive I 4x4 system. This system normally runs in front-wheel mode until it senses impending slippage, at which point it directs power to the rear wheels. It can also be locked into 50/50 mode by selecting 4WD LOCK, giving maximum traction to all four wheels when applicable. All of this creates an opportunity for fans of the brand who don’t necessarily want a hard-core off-roading vehicle, but want the capabilities of a tried and tested 4x4 system that is superior on-road and still somewhat off-road friendly. It’s no rock-crawler or heavy-duty trail tackler but it’s great in the snow and in the sand! During the Compass’ launch in Portland, Oregon in 2006, we put these little crossovers with their fully independent suspension to the test on the sand dunes — boy was that fun! Oh, and they also performed marvelously!

The Compass comes with a range of drivetrain choices that make for distinctly different vehicles: The base model has a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine and is available with front wheel drive only and a CVT2 (Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission) with Auto/Stick shifting (this allows the driver to shift through artificially-programmed "gears" if desired). Moving up the range, you get a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine and your choice of transmission options: the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the CVT2.

Chrome accents abound in the new interior. The Limited trim includes leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel and Sirius satellite radio with AM/FM radio, CD changer and auxiliary input jack. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

I am particularly drawn to manual transmissions but my test Jeep Limited came with the 2.4L, 172 horsepower engine and optional CVT2 transmission. In this configuration I found that the Compass had ample power for everyday driving situations without the expensive fuel bill. On average, the Compass uses an estimated 9.2L/100km in the city and 7.3 l/100 km on the highway.

Even though the 2008 Compass already introduced some great new features (including the Auto/Stick addition to the CVT transmission), Jeep continues to upgrade its compact crossover. For the 2009 model year they’ve gutted the inside and created a more refined cabin with a new centre stack design and better quality materials. Jeep has also added new chrome accents on the instrument panel, chrome accents on the door trims, soft vinyl door trim uppers and bolsters, a new padded centre console armrest, heating/cooling vents with chrome rings and more. It’s certainly a step up from the last generation, which wasn’t necessarily bad but was definitely in need of a facelift.

Along with the refreshed interior, the Jeep Compass Limited comes with various bells and whistles to make you more comfortable. Included in the Limited trim are leather seating surfaces with heated front seats (a definite favourite feature of mine!), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Electronic Vehicle Information Centre and Sirius satellite radio with AM/FM radio, CD changer and auxiliary input jack (another favourite of mine). The optional Sun/Sound group adds a sunroof and the infamous Music Gate swing-down speaker system that's mounted on the inner panel of the tailgate. But as cool as this feature is, I can’t say that I’ve ever really used it. Too bad I didn’t have this car in high school when it was ‘cool’ to hang out in the parking lot at lunch and listen to music from the car. I always wanted to be a ‘cool’ kid, I think.

The Compass Limited comes with a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine and your choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or Jeep's CVT (Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission). The base model gets a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

On the outside, the Limited adds 18-inch aluminum wheels with P215/55R18 tires to its list of features, along with side roof rails, fog lights and bright lower bodyside mouldings. And if you think there isn’t enough chrome already on this car, there is the option to add 18-inch chrome-clad wheels. What’s a little more bling, right?! On the safety and performance front, the Limited trims hosts such features as four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which includes traction control, Electronic Roll Mitigation and Brake Assist (BA). Couple that with a tire pressure warning system and advanced multistage driver and front passenger airbags and you’re cruising in one safe and sturdy Jeep.

The 2009 Jeep Compass Limited 4WD has an MSRP of $25,895. With the optional CVT transmission the price jumps to $27,295. However, if optional features aren't your cup of tea, the base Jeep Compass with the FWD configuration starts at a mere $18,495 and the 4WD Sport starts at $20,695. That’s a pretty darn good value for a compact SUV with 643L (22.7 cu-ft) of cargo room with the rear seats up and 1,518 L (53.6 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded.

Whether you’re a hardcore Jeep lover or someone who is interested in the brand but not necessarily looking for a vehicle with full off-road capability, the 2009 Compass will point you in the right direction.

Specifications (2009 Jeep Compass Limited 4WD):

• Price Range (Compass Limited 4WD): $25,895 - $32,695
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $29,170
• Destination: $1,400
• Body Type: 5-door compact crossover
• Layout: front engine, 4WD
• Engine: 172 hp, 165 lb-ft of torque, 2.3L 16-valve DOHC I-4
• Transmission: CVT w/AutoStick manual mode (std. 5-spd manual)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc / disc, ABS
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,405 / 1,811 / 1,631 / 2,635 mm (173.4 / 71.3 / 64.2 / 103.7 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,499 kg (3,305 lbs)
• Tires: 215/55R18
• Cargo Capacity (seats up/down): 643 / 1,518 L (22.7 / 53.6 cu-ft)
• Fuel Economy (city / hwy): 9.2 / 7.3 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive; 60 / 100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Dodge Caliber, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan
• Website: www.jeep.ca

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(HAA) Air Conditioning

(DAV) Continuously Variable Transmission II

(TBB) Full Size Spare Tire

(AWS) Smokers Group

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(CJ1) Front Seat Side Air Bags

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(ECN) Engine: 2.0L DOHC 16v Dual VVT

(ED3) Engine: 2.4L DOHC 16v Dual VVT

(DD7) Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

(25D) Sport Quick Order

(26D) Sport Quick Order

(REQ) Media Centre 230 6CD/DVD/MP3 Radio

(24D) Sport Quick Order