New 2014 Jeep Compass SUV

With the sleek and compact look one would come to expect with a crossover SUV, the 2014 edition of the new Jeep Compass is a welcome revision over last year’s model by getting some of the finer things right. It’s easy on the eye while improving on the practicality and general versatility that Jeep’s Compass range has been known for.

The exterior offers projector-styled headlamps and standard foglamps, both trimmed by the chrome-bezel styling also adorning the grille on an otherwise simplistic yet modern design. The car is single-coloured, with even the side mirrors adhering to the dress-code. Standard 16” rims can be replaced with 17”/18” on request.

On the inside, the 2014 Jeep Compass has reworked the front seating to be more spacious and comfortable with the driver in mind, albeit at the expense of legroom for the rear-seated passengers. The gauges and dials are clear, simplistic and precise, with a very neat, very organized and very logical instrument panel, although the hard plastic used for on the buttons may appear dated and may not appeal to everybody.

The cabin features of the new Jeep Compass include a power sunroof with an “acoustic” windshield which further insulates the cabin from external noise and further enhances a decent Boston Acoustic four-speaker stereo setup’s sound quality. The standard Uconnect stereo in the Sport model features a DVD Audio 6-Disc shuttle with an auxiliary input for media devices, with the optional extras including Bluetooth and an impressive 40GB hard-drive storage facility.

The drive is admittedly a bit stiff and takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you’re past the initial difference, it’s a change fairly easily embraced. The latest Jeep Sport edition of the Compass features a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder engine (158HP) and is available across the board as a 5-speed manual with an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. While more responsive and anchored than the previous instalment, one may argue that the automatic gearing doesn’t quite get the most out of the engine, especially with the Limited’s 2.4 litre, 4 cylinder engine (172HP). That aside, it is capable of off-road escapades with “Freedom Drive” technology providing on-demand full-on 4X4 capability.

On the economy front, it’s decent for a crossover at 12.3 litres/100km (23mpg) in the stop-start city traffic, but at 9.4 litres/100km (30mpg), it’s far more reasonable and actually balances out to around 10.9 litres/100km (26mpg) which is very good on the whole. If you’d prefer the diesel option to keep the running cost down, a 2.2litre, 4cylinder (163HP) is also available.

The storage capability is one of the larger points for any crossover and Jeep duly obliges with a decent 0.643 metres (22.73 feet), the back seats fold down to allow for a larger 1.523 metres (53.73 feet) which is on the level with competitors its range, although the storage capability for smaller items, such as the glove-compartment are lacking in space. As far as safety is concerned, Electronic Stability Control will keep you on the road, while front seat-mounted airbags supplement the multi-stage passenger/driver airbags in the event of a collision from the side. 

All in all, the 2014 Jeep Compass does well to improve on its predecessor. Although it does have its faults, they are easily forgivable. The refreshing aesthetics, small-but-effective interior improvements and affordability make it a good choice for anybody wanting a sporty but practical best-of-both-worlds option.