Under the Hood
All Compasses are powered by a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with variable valve timing for adequate pull at all engine speeds. It powers the front wheels through a five-speed-manual transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional; in line with the Jeep parlance, it's presented as 4x4, but the system is basically a light- to medium-duty all-wheel-drive system. It has a lock function that splits power 50/50 between the front and rear axles, but there's no additional low gear for true off-roading. Traction is aided by antilock-brake-based traction control. The ABS, traction control and an electronic stability system are all standard.
The optional automatic transmission comes in the form of an efficient CVT, continuously variable transaxle. It grants a wide range of gear ratios, but without the stepped shift feel of a conventional automatic. Even so, the AutoStick manual-shift mode — an option on the Limited — jumps sequentially from one arbitrarily preset ratio to another.
The Compass is Jeep's first model with four-wheel independent suspension. The other models retain the solid rear axle that offers advantages in some offroad situations. Still, Jeep emphasizes the Compass' 8-inch ground clearance and decent approach and departure angles.
See also:
Cargo
Just looking at the rear cargo area of the Liberty, it sure doesn't look big.
The Dodge Nitro seems more cavernous even though the two are nearly identical
when you compare the numbers. The Libert ...
Paging
To learn how to page, refer to “Working with Automated
Systems”. Paging works properly except for pagers of
certain companies, which time out a little too soon to
work properly with the Ucon ...
Starting Procedures
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ign ...


