2011 Jeep Compass 2.4L 4×4 5MT (170 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Jeep refreshed the Compass for the 2011 model year, and besides the esthetical upgrades, it also significantly improved drivetrains, giving the SUV some off-road abilities.

The American brand has always been associated with off-road performance ever since its first product in 1941, the famous Willy’s. However, over the years, the customer’s profile has changed. More buyers started focusing more on MPGs than attack angles, and Jeep noticed this shift in the buyer’s profile. As a result, in 2007, the automaker launched the Compass as an entry model in the brand’s lineup. That compact crossover was available with front or all-wheel drive systems, and it couldn’t tackle anything more complex than some unpaved roads. Then, in 2011, the refreshed version came with an improved drivetrain. This upgraded version was more than welcomed by customers, and sales tripled in 2011 compared to 2010 in the U.S. market.

At the front, the Compass ditched the round headlights featured in the 2007 model year and came with horizontal ones shaped like those installed on the Grand Cherokee. Its corner-mounted turn signals and clear headlamps looked much better than those found on the non-facelifted version. In addition, the lower bumper received new side scoops for the available fog lamps. Depending on the grade, the seven-slat grille was adorned with chromed trims.

From its profile, the 2011 Jeep Compass revealed flared fenders similar to those of its predecessor, albeit the wheel options were different. Jeep couldn’t replace the up-kick design of the rearmost pillars of the car since it had to fit into a tight budget, but customers didn’t seem bothered by those. The automaker also provided the crossover with different suspension settings, depending on the grade. Those fitted with the Freedom Drive II system carried over from its Patriot sibling boasted a higher ground clearance and a set of 17-inch aluminum wheels. The concealed rear door handles remained since they proved very practical, especially when used with gloved hands. Jeep also installed black side sills to further emphasize the car’s ground clearance. Last but not least, Jeep introduced the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, which added one inch (2.5 cm) to the ground clearance and a full-size spare wheel.

Inside, the car manufacturer introduced new materials for the upholstery and main contact areas, such as the center stack and the center console. The door cards were also padded with soft-touch materials, dramatically improving the occupants’ comfort. In addition, the buttons for power windows and locks were backlighted so they could find them more easily. Fronting the driver was the same squared-looking instrument panel featuring large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked by the smaller gauges of the fuel level and the engine coolant indicators. On the center stack, Jeep placed a new choice of stereos featuring Bluetooth connectivity, while an infotainment system with touchscreen and sat-nav was available.

Under the hood, U.S. customers got the same 2.4-liter world engine provided by Chrysler since the model’s introduction in 2006. It was paired with the same five-speed manual or CVT, depending on trim and options. For European customers, Jeep ditched the previously used 2.0-liter VW-sourced turbodiesel and installed a 2.2-liter oil burner provided by Mercedes-Benz. The Freedom Drive II system offered low-range gearing in the transfer box, greatly improving off-road driving performance.