The 2009 Jeep Compass comes as two models, Sport and Limited, each with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic ($1100) with Auto Stick manual shiftgate. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available as a $200 credit option for the Sport. It makes 158 hp and 141 pound-feet of torque and only comes with the CVT.
The Compass Sport 2WD ($18,465) and AWD ($20,215) come standard cloth upholstery; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; outside-temperature indicator; AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack; 60/40 split rear seat; fog lamps; roof rails; and P215/60R17 tires on aluminum wheels. The AWD Sport adds a locking center differential. The Quick Order Package ($2,125) adds power windows and locks and keyless remote entry; cruise control; YES Essentials cloth upholstery; height-adjustable driver's seat; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining split folding rear seat; map lights; removable and rechargeable interior lamp; floor mats; rear privacy glass; and a 115-volt power outlet. A Sun/Sound group ($1295) adds a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Sirius satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system with speakers in the liftgate that can blast the crowd at tailgate parties.
Options include a 6CD player with MP3 playback capability ($350); the Trailer Tow Prep Package ($250) with engine oil cooler, full-size spare tire and wiring harness; front side airbags ($250); a Rallye Group ($1985) with driving lights, a rear spoiler, sport suspension, 18-inch tires and unique exterior trim; UConnect Tunes hard-drive audio ($650); and white-letter tires ($140).
The Compass Limited ($22,825) and Limited AWD ($24,575) add leather upholstery; heated front seats; height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; fold-flat front passenger seat; reclining rear seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; 6-disc CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; 115-volt power outlet; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; floor mats; sport suspension; and P215/55R18 tires. The front and rear fascia and side moldings have shiny aluminum accents, and, like the Sport, the Limited AWD gets a locking center differential.
Options for the Limited include the Sport options, plus a Security and Cargo Convenience group ($695) with front side airbags, daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, an alarm and a tonneau cover; chrome-plated 18-inch aluminum wheels ($825); and UConnect GPS that includes a navigation system with real-time traffic information, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to hold music and picture files, as well as navigation map information ($1,200, $925 with the Security and Cargo Convenience group).
Safety features that come standard on all models include dual front air bags; head-protecting curtain side air bags; tire-pressure monitor; antilock brakes with brake assist (which applies more brake force than the driver is applying if sensors determine it's needed in a panic stop); traction control; and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Torso-protecting side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants are optional and we recommend them.