Driving Impressions

Chrysler's 2.4-liter four-cylinder provides just enough vim to keep the scenery passing, but lead-footed drivers will probably be disappointed. The five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly. The continuously variable transmission takes a few moments to reach its powerband, but it delivers adequate performance once there. High-speed stability is good.

Interior materials are sub-par, and the climate controls aren't particularly intuitive. Front seats offer ample cushion support, but some of the manual adjustments take considerable effort.

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    Cargo
    The Compass boasts a hard-floor cargo area as a plus. Personally I prefer carpet back there, mainly because my dog — a boxer — hates standing on the slick plastic when the back seats are flipp ...

    Shifting Procedures
    4WD HI To 4WD LOW With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or the engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL, and press the “4WD ...

    Liftgate Flipper Glass
    The liftgate flipper glass is also unlocked when the liftgate is unlocked. To open the flipper glass, push up on the window switch located on the liftgate. Liftgate Flipper Glass Release NOTE: ...