2015 Jeep Compass

NEW FOR 2015:

- New colour: Eco Green.

We here at Autos.ca figured that the Compass and its country bumpkin twin, the Patriot, would bite the bullet with the arrival of the modern and charismatic Renegade. We were wrong – the Compass sticks around for another year.

Wedged between the Renegade and the impressive intermediate-sized Cherokee, the Compass is a trip back in time to Jeep’s darker days. Based on the long-defunct Dodge Caliber, the Compass has been massaged over the years into an OK but outclassed compact crossover.

For 2015, you won’t find any major mechanical changes to the Compass, other than the discontinuation of the five-speed manual on North and Limited trims. The Compass did receive a new six-speed automatic transmission for 4x4 models last year, which improved performance and refinement.

In terms of equipment, there is a new High Altitude package that’s offered on North 4x4 models. It bundles together leather upholstery, heated six-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power moonroof and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Compass is available in Sport, North, and Limited trim levels; Sport and North can be had in 4x2 and 4x4, while Limited comes standard with 4x4.

Compass Sport comes standard with a 2.0-litre 158-hp four-cylinder paired to a five-speed manual and 4x2 front-wheel drive. A 2.4-litre 172-hp four-cylinder is offered as an option; it’s a mandatory pairing with the optional six-speed automatic.

North and Limited trims come standard with 4x2 and the 2.4-litre engine as well as a six-speed automatic. 4x4 is an option.

All trims can be had with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group which swaps the six-speed automatic for a CVT with low-range capability, plus skid plates, a 25-mm raised ride height, tow hooks, full-size spare, knobby all-terrain tires, and a manual seat height adjuster.

Features on the Sport include 16-inch alloy wheels, manual mirrors, fog lamps, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear washer/wiper, assist handles, floor console with illuminated cupholders, floor mats, map lights, removable flashlight, cloth seats, cruise control, 60/40 split-folding second-row seat, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, tilt steering column, side roof rails, removable cargo load floor, and tire pressure warning lamp. Air conditioning can be added as an option.

The North Edition adds chrome grille texture, bright interior accents, sport mesh cloth seats, body colour power heated mirrors, air conditioning, privacy glass, power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, illuminated entry, 60/40 split folding rear seat with recline, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, front passenger fold-flat seat, 115-volt power outlet, body colour door handles.

The Limited adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, projector beam headlamps, chrome fog lamp bezels, 18-inch aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheels with audio controls, four-wheel disc brakes, six-way power driver’s seat with four-way lumbar support, trip computer, satellite radio, automatic climate control, chrome exhaust tip, chrome exterior accents, and a garage door opener.