2010 Jeep Compass: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Jeep Compass sees no major changes. 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 and 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 is a 158-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that teams with a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT. Maximum towing capacity is 2000 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are available. Chrysler's Uconnect multimedia suite is available, and 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 and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.