DriveTech

2007 Jeep Compass 4X4 has the looks and great fuel mileage

Jeep has truly made a right turn for the better in '07, coming out with an even better-looking sport utility than the boxy units it's given us before.

Welcome the all-new 2007 Compass, a small sport utility with lots of room and ability. I test drove the 4X4 version of the Limited, powered by the only engine available - a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder dual overhead camshaft 16 valve, dual variable valve timing engine that produces 172 horsepower. It may lack a little in the power department, but on the open road it runs just fine.

It also has something not normally seen in a Chrysler product - excellent fuel mileage. The Compass 4X4 gets a thrifty 23 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the open road when pumping regular unleaded gas. It's about time we started seeing some fuel mileage out of the Jeep family.

Jeep learned a hard lesson a few years ago when it changed the Jeep Wrangler's headlights from round to rectangular. The screams of diehard Jeepsters were heard all around the world - so loud that Jeep switched back to the round headlights and has no plans of heading down that road again. Hence the round headlights on the Compass, along with the traditional seven-slot grill.
The wheel well openings are a Jeep tradition and aren't as noticeable as the grill and headlights. The side profile is striking with the cut of the rear side glass, which is sharp.

The inside has a very nice, clean layout. The seating is very comfortable and the driver can adjust the seat up or down manually for better visibility, plus there's a manual lumbar adjustment. Both driver and passenger get heat in both seats and for added comfort, the steering wheel adjusts as well.

The dash has a nice large tachometer and speedometer and to the right is a typical audio system with the climate controls below that. All are easy to operate, thanks to large knobs. The center console has cup holders along with storage space for odds and ends. There's also a compass and outside temperature gauge in the dash. Close to the transmission shifter is a chrome latch that locks in the four-wheel drive system, so it's pretty simple.

Mounted in the lower dash is the automatic transmission shifter. The transmission is unique in that it is a continuously variable transaxle with an added feature that allows you to shift the transmission manually if needed. This is the latest in fuel saving transmissions but there is a five-speed manual transmission available if you want.

What really stands out is the optional sound system - a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a subwoofer. And if that isn't enough, you also get two speakers on the back of the tailgate that flip down when you're tailgating or enjoying the tunes while unloading your Compass. This sound system is an option, but a worthy one. It has AM/FM/in-dash CD plus an audio jack for other toys you might want to bring along. You will find an MP3 cradle in the flip up storage area in the center armrest. Not being an MP3 person, I stored my cell phone in the cradle and closed the lid with no problem. The armrest slides front to back to adjust to your arm length, which is a nice touch.

The back seat is very comfortable and has the ability to recline slightly. The rear seat also splits 60/40 and folds for when you need to haul people and stuff at the same time. The rear hatch flips upward for good access to the rear cargo area, where you'll find a removable/rechargeable light for when you may have dropped something outside or need light to change a flat tire at night.

Speaking of tires, the Compass comes stock with a 17-inch tire and wheel package. Bob Baker Jeep ordered the optional 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels, which really looked good with the "stone white" exterior paint scheme and the two-tone "pastel slate gray" interior, a classic combination. You also get fog lights and a deep tint all included in the base price, which starts at $21,180.

There are plenty of safety features, including advanced multi-stage front airbags, supplemental side curtain front and rear air bags, electronic stability and traction control, electronic roll mitigation (see your sales rep for a more in-depth explanation), brake assist, beams in the doors and crumple zones surrounding the occupants.

This Compass also comes with a lot of standard features normally found as options on the competition. Check them out yourself at Bob Baker Jeep in Car Country Carlsbad. Call (760) 720-5337 and make an appointment to test drive the all-new Jeep Compass. I loved my tester!

Next week, a Ford from North County Ford.