The Car Zone: Jeep Compass

The Grand Cherokee-like nose job and the upgraded standard equipment have had a negative impact on the 2011 Jeep Compass' sticker price as the refreshed crossover model will reach showrooms next month with a starting price of $19,295, not including a (*) $700 destination fee. That's close to $4,000 more than the pre-facelift 2010MY Compass, which retailed for $15,365.

However, the base version of the 2011MY Compass does come equipped with more standard features than the outgoing model including air conditioning, power windows and locks, heated power side mirrors, keyless entry, fog lamps, cruise control and tinted glass, all of which were absent on the entry-level 2010MY Compass.

The cosmetically and mechanically updated Jeep model will be offered in three trim levels, including the higher grade Latitude, which adds a CVT, heated front seats and a leather steering wheel for $21,595 (plus destination fee), and the Limited, which is powered by a 172HP 2.4-liter four-pot and starts from $24,295 (plus destination fee).

The base and Latitude trim models are offered with a 158HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

More details on specs in the list below.

Source: Chrysler , Via: Kicking Tires

2011 Jeep Compass pricing (2010 pricing)

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Compass Base: $19,295 (2010MY: $15,365)

Features

Five-speed manual transmission

Heated power side mirrors

Fog lamps

Roof rails

Rear-window wiper/washer

Air conditioning

LED gauge cluster

17-inch aluminum wheels

Cruise control

60/40-split rear bench

Power windows and locks, keyless entry

Removable, rechargeable LED flashlight

Compass Latitude: $21,595 (2010MY: $21,850)

Continuously variable automatic transmission

Heated front seats

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Fold-flat front seat

115-volt auxiliary outlet

Compass Limited: $24,295 (2010MY: $23,385)

172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder

Automatic climate control

In-dash vehicle display

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Leather upholstery

Six-way power driver’s seat

Six-disc CD charger

18-inch aluminum wheels

Destination: $700 ($630)

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Optional Equipment

Continuously variable automatic transmission (base only): $1,100 (same)

Four-wheel drive: $1,700 ($1,500)

Security Group Package: Side thorax airbags, USB port, remote start, Bluetooth connectivity, security alarm, auto-dimming rearview mirror: $1,195 ($985)

Sun and Sound Package: nine-speaker stereo, powered sunroof: $1,295 (same)

Media Center Package: 30-gigabyte hard drive, touch-screen display: $640 (base, Latitude), $290 (Limited)

Navigation System: $685 ($1,200)

Trail Rated Package: 140-Amp alternator, four-wheel drive off-road mode, brake lock differential, engine oil cooler, fuel tank skid plate shield, full-size spare tire, hill descent control, hill start assist, tow hooks, trailer tow wiring harness: $500 (needs four-wheel drive option)

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The Chrysler Group has officially revealed the refreshed for the 2011 model year Jeep Compass crossover, which will go on sale in the U.S. within the next few weeks. In a similar fashion to its sister model, the 2011 Patriot, which looks like a smaller Liberty / Cherokee, the 2011 Compass bears a strong resemblance to Jeep's flagship, the new Grand Cherokee.

In fact, the SUV's restyled front end appears to have been directly lifted off the larger Jeep model. The new headlamps and the traditional Jeep grille with seven slots are joined by redesigned hood and fenders, additional body cladding, new brightwork throughout the exterior and slimmer roof rails.

At the back, the 2011 Compass gains LED tail lamps, new body-color rear spoiler and some trim updates. The newly designed standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, and 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels that are available on Limited models, complete the exterior makeover.

Inside, the interior is identical to the latest Jeep Patriot meaning buyers of the Compass will be greeted by higher-grade materials including soft touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface, a new center armrest and a three-spoke Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls for the radio, cruise control, available handsfree phone and other vehicle functions.

For 2011, the Jeep Compass will be offered with a choice of two powerplants. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol provides 158 horsepower and 141 lb.-ft. (191 Nm) of torque, and can be hooked up to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT2) or a five-speed manual gearbox, in which case it returns 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Those looking for more power can opt for the 2.4-liter unit, which produces 172-horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. Again, buyers can choose between the CVT and the 5-speed stick shift. Oddly enough, Jeep claims the larger displacement unit returns the same exact mileage as the 2.0-liter model.

The new Compass is available in three drivetrain configurations, including the standard front-wheel-drive model, the Freedom Drive I with full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode, and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package that comes with a four-wheel-drive system and a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with low range gearing (CVT2L).

Finally, Jeep's newcomer also boasts a retuned suspension for 2011, with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and an increased diameter of the rear sway bar.

The new Compass is built at the Chrysler Group's Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, with the first examples set to arrive in Jeep showrooms in December 2010.

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