2010 Jeep Compass Des Moines

The Jeep Compass was one of Jeep?s first vehicles built on a car-based platform. While some die hard Jeep fans were unsure, the Compass has proven itself as both a true Jeep and a road worthy vehicle. Trim levels include the Sport X, Limited and the all new Latitude, which is slotted between the two. The Jeep Compass is not a traditional Jeep with go-anywhere off-road capability, but it offers a comfortable ride, steady handling, decent fuel mileage, and the reassurance of all-wheel-drive capability. Furthermore, it can still tread lightly off the beaten path thanks to optional four-wheel drive. There are no significant changes for 2010.

Powering the 2010 Jeep Compass

For the 2010 Jeep Compass there is a choice of two four-cylinder models: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 174 hp. While the 2010 Jeep Compass is not available in a Trail Rated version like the Patriot, it offers the optional 2010 Jeep Freedom Drive I, which is a full-time, fully automatic all-wheel-drive system that can distribute up to 50 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels as conditions warrant. Both engine options on the Compass are also available with an optional CVT. Jeep does offer AutoStick, which makes the gearbox shift more like a traditional fixed-gear transmission. The EPA ratings for the Compass range from 21-23 mpg city, and 24-29 mpg highway, depending on engine and transmission configuration.

Handling is a bright spot for the Compass. This vehicle is very maneuverable and steers most of the time with the accuracy and precision of a small car while riding pretty well. The car-derived fully independent suspension provides a smooth ride with "stable handling around corners. The Compass and Patriot are Jeep's first models with four-wheel-independent suspensions. The brand's other SUVs retain a solid rear axle, which offers advantages in some off-road situations. The Compass has floor and engine-compartment silencers and an exhaust resonator that Jeep says will provide a quieter ride. Suspension tuning on Sport models is designed to provide a smoother, more comfortable ride. The Compass is an affordable compact SUV meant to bring the Jeep name to a broader range of drivers with car-like on-road capability and fuel economy. Jeep has designed a new all-wheel-drive system for the Compass, which it calls Freedom Drive I. On a dry, flat road, virtually all of the power goes to the front wheels, but as traction is needed elsewhere, as much as 60 percent can shift to the rear wheels. The coupling is through a two-stage clutch system that's magnetic and electronically controlled, rather than viscous, and Jeep says this is markedly more efficient. The system also has a locking center differential.

2010 Jeep Compass Design

Jeep sent its brand in a new direction in 2007, introducing two car-based SUVs, the Compass and Patriot. Of the two, the Compass has more of a crossover look, especially from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the wheels and more laid back lines. The rear door handles are vertical, mounted on the C-pillars to preserve the character line. The liftgate on the Compass is sloped at nearly a 45-degree angle, while those of the Patriot and Liberty are vertical; and the third side window, into the cargo area, is a stylized triangle, while the others, again, are square. That slope at the rear of the Compass is matched by the steeply raked windshield, leading up to a roof that's slightly lower than that of the Patriot and almost five inches lower than the Liberty's. Black plastic roof rails continue from the top corners of the windshield all the way to the spoiler over the liftgate, channeling water over the roof. The Compass Limited has aluminum-looking trim on the sides and bumpers. The less-costly Sport looks classier in its cleaner monotone.

Inside the ?10 Jeep Compass

For 2010, the Compass gains optional automatic climate control. The interior features a 60/40-split folding rear seat, plus an optional power driver's seat, optional fold-flat front passenger seat and optional power windows. The Jeep Compass cabin is roomy and comfortable. The front bucket seats are very comfortable without being soft. The Sport is available with Jeep's YES Essentials upholstery, a rugged fabric that's stain, odor and static resistant. The front seat jacks upward, which is nice because the long dash makes it hard to see the ground in front of the car, even though the hood is short.

There is plenty of room for your stuff in the 2010 Compass. The center stack is wide and intelligently designed: rectangular vents on top, a single-disc AM/FM/CD stereo or the navigation system below it, and below that are three climate control knobs and various buttons for options. Legroom is good, both front and rear. In fact, the Compass has 39.4 inches of rear legroom, which is almost four inches longer than in the larger

Grand Cherokee. The Compass will be a fine vehicle for a family trip, with reclining rear seats optional on Sport and standard on Limited.

Conclusions

Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control with roll mitigation, traction control and side-curtain air bags. Visit the official Jeep Compass site for updates on this model. The optional RALLYE Group provides 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a body color kit, bright exhaust tip, driving lamp and spoiler. A multimedia infotainment system with 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system and UConnect wireless connectivity, is available. Compass competitors include the Honda Element and Ford Escape. Overall, the 2010 Jeep Compass does a great job of combining traditional Jeep trademarks with a road-worthy, more fuel efficient vehicle. The Compass works nicely for hauling a small family or even as a daily commuter. For more research, read the Auto Chanels's Jeep Compass Limited 4x4 reivew.

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