Acceleration

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
3	4	3	4.6

Only AWD versions have been available for us to test so far. Those Compasses have adequate power away from a stop and around town, but modest reserve power demands careful planning before passing or highway merging. Compasses made available for test periodically hesitated during acceleration. A test AWD Limited with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in a lackluster 9.3 seconds. Manual-transmission versions feel only slightly quicker than those with the CVT. One manual-transmission test model suffered ragged clutch action.

Fuel Economy

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

In Consumer Guide testing, AWD models with CVT averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly city driving, 22.4-24.4 mpg with more highway use. A test AWD with manual transmission averaged 19.1 mpg in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. Compass uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	5

Comfortable and stable. These small SUVs easily absorb most road imperfections. We noticed some float and jiggling over highway expansion joints. There's little difference between models with 17- and 18-inch wheels.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.7

Accurate, natural-feeling steering. We detected slight wander in gusty crosswinds. Body lean is moderate in corners. While Compass rides lower than most compact SUVs, it feels no more nimble. A large turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes have good pedal feel.

Quietness

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Somewhat quieter than the similar Dodge Caliber. Wind rush is decently squelched, but road noise is fairly prominent, especially at highway speeds. An unrefined engine growl intrudes during acceleration.

Controls

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6

The gauges are easy to read. Large, simple audio and climate controls are within easy reach, though the manual-transmission shift lever can block access to climate dials. Available rear-facing fold-down speakers in the liftgate are a picnic plus. Compass does not offer Caliber's chilled glovebox compartment.

Details

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	5

Cabin decor is a tinge higher-grade than Caliber's, it but still imparts a cut-rate feel with lots of hard-plastic surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Generous headroom. The seats are mounted higher in Compass than in Caliber, expanding ample legroom. The driver seat is height adjustable, but it still didn't create ideal positioning for all our testers. The fold-out cell phone/MP3 player holder in the center console is a thoughtful touch, but it obscures the armrest and interferes with manual shifter use. Visibility to front corners and over-the-shoulder is impeded by thick roof pillars, and to the rear by tall headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Adult-size headroom and legroom. However, the flat, soft seat lacks support. Step-in is low, but narrow doorways hamper entry and exit.

Cargo Room

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
8	8	8	8.1

Compass's cargo area is enhanced by an available flat-folding front-passenger seat. Unlike in Caliber, the Jeep's rear seatbacks fold completely flat. Open hatch barely clears the head of six-footers. A handy load-floor liner removes for easy cleaning. Interior storage is OK, but the door map pockets are too small to be really useful.

Value within Class

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	5.9

Compass is an SUV that flies in the face of Jeep tradition because it doesn't carry a pretense of off-road capability. Compared with others of its ilk, Compass lacks the overall refinement of the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, especially in interior decor. Fuel economy is decent for the class, but the 4-cylinder engine feels underpowered and coarse. Compass makes sense as a functional wagon for people who crave Jeep style but don't need go-anywhere Jeep capability. For most others, there are better alternatives.

Total Score

AWD Sport, CVT	AWD Limited, manual	AWD Limited, CVT	Class Average
57	58	57	59.9

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		59
High Score		71