2014 Jeep Compass Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Compass was introduced in 2007 as a smaller, more fuel efficient option in the Jeep lineup. The Compass was meant more for the streets and highways than the ruggedness of the great outdoors of most Jeep products. With a design inspired by the Dodge Caliber, it was also meant to be a more affordable model for those who want a Jeep at a reasonable price. The Compass is a very unique model that will work quite well for consumers whose needs fit in with that uniqueness. [ For the 2015 model see - Jeep Compass Pros and Cons ]

The last major design overhaul for the Compass was in 2011, when the Compass was redesigned inside and out. For the 2014 release, Jeep made a few modifications to the exterior and interior of the model. The front end has been redesigned to look more like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the rest of the exterior and interior have had some other minor changes. The biggest change for the 2014 model was the added option of a 6-speed automatic transmission in select models. Jeep also improved the safety of the Compass by adding driver side airbags and a rear back up camera. Even with such few recent changes there are plenty of reasons to give the Jeep Compass more than a passing glance.

Why you should buy the 2014 Jeep Compass - the Pros

• With an MSRP starting at $18,695 and a max of $27,995 before options, the Jeep Compass is not only one of the most affordable vehicles in Jeep's lineup, but also in it's class when compared to the price of other crossover SUV's. It's a great option for those that want to purchase a Jeep but cannot afford the higher priced models such as the Grand Cherokee or the Wrangler.
• The Jeep Compass may be one of the Jeep's smaller models, but it still has plenty of room for everyone. The interior of the vehicle is roomy in both the front and back seats. It has a cargo capability of 22.7 cubic feet with the back seat and 53.6 cubic feet without the seats and handles up to medium sized loads very well.
• Consumers can choose between the 158 hp 2.0L engine or opt for the more powerful 172 hp 2.4L engine. The Compass does have a wide variety of standard and optional engine and transmissions giving buyers the ability to buy what they need.
• Built for the road, the Jeep Compass has a excellent suspension that makes for a very smooth ride and steering that makes maneuvering city streets and parking lots a breeze.The brakes are very responsive and are up to the task of the off-road experience, and handle city and highway driving too.
• The dashboard of the Jeep Compass is designed for easy access of all controls and includes UConnect in several different options including a 6 CD disc changer or Sirius Radio.
• To go along with UConnect system, the Jeep Compass has nine Boston Acoustic Speakers throughout the interior of the vehicle. The additional two articulating speakers in the tailgate that can used for activities outside the vehicle and are great for tailgating and picnics.
• The All Weather Capability Package is great for those who live in more seasonal climates and includes engine block heater, all-terrain tires, all season floormats and tow hooks.
• The Compass does have a Trail Rated Badge and has passed the off-road standards that Jeep is famous for, including ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, traction and river fording. This makes the Compass unique in a vehicle of this class and size.
• Jeep has a new acoustic front windshield that reduces engine and exterior noise, making for a more comfortable ride.
• Consumers who choose the 2.4L engine, there is the option of the Trailer Tow Prep Group which allows for towing up to 2000 pounds, including small boats and trailers. This works well for weekend warriors who need towing capability but not for anything heavy-duty.

Jeep obviously had good intentions when releasing the Compass as more of an urban option with off-road capabilities and the vehicle does perform well on both streets and off-road. No vehicle is perfect for every buyer and there are things consumers should know about the Compass before purchasing it.

Reasons Not to Buy the 2014 Jeep Grand Compass - the Cons

• While the sticker price on the Jeep Compass is lower than on other crossover SUV's, its performance lags behind other similar options such as the Buick Encore and the Honda CR-V.
• The Compass was made for city driving and the off-road experience, but it is only adequate at both and does not excel at either. The models' two conflicting personalities hinder the performance of the vehicle in regards to urban and rural driving.
• Both engine options seem a little sluggish and under-perform against similar models. The engine noise inside the vehicle is substantial even with the acoustic windshield and the ride can become terribly noisy.
• The Compass is trail rated and can handle some off-road situations well, it does not perform nearly as well as other Jeep models that are more known for their off-road performance.

The Jeep Compass is unusual for its smaller size because of its ability to handle both on-road and off-road conditions and it does both fairly well. Due to it's split personality however, the Compass seems stuck in the middle and does not excel at either. The Jeep Compass is a great vehicle for drivers who do most of their driving in the city due to its small size and gas mileage, but need the ruggedness of a Jeep for the occasional light off-road experience.

The Jeep Compass does excel at handling adverse weather conditions due to its off-road capabilities and handles both rain and snow well, especially when equipped with the All Weather Capability Package. The Compass is great option for a certain group of consumers and should not be dismissed out of hand due to its smaller size.