2009 Jeep Compass: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Jeep Compass gets a redesigned interior. This compact SUV shares its basic design with Jeep's Patriot and the Dodge Caliber. Compass seats five and comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Compass comes in Sport or Limited trims. Standard on all models is a 172-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Manual transmission is standard. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. Available as a credit on the front-drive Sport with the CVT is a 158-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are available. New for 2009 is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information. The new interior includes upgrades to the instrument panel, door trim panel, and center console to go along with chrome accents, a removable carpeted load floor, and illuminated cupholders.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Saturn Vue and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the GMC Terrain, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.