- Jeep has changed up the sheet metal on the 2011 Compass.
- Even better, the automaker has overhauled the SUV's low-buck cabin.
- Engines remain the same, but Jeep has fiddled with the suspension tuning.
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — Chrysler has significantly revised the 2011 Jeep Compass for 2011. The sheet metal is updated to give the small crossover SUV a more masculine look, while the cabin gets a major overhaul. Jeep has also retuned the suspension and steering on its entry-level SUV, which goes on sale this month at U.S. Jeep dealers.
On the outside, the 2011 Compass gets a new hood, front fenders, fascia, headlamps and seven-slot grille. The grille and headlight design is clearly inspired by the 2011 Grand Cherokee. In addition, Jeep has fitted new wheels, roof rails, rear fascia, body-color rear spoiler and LED taillamps.
The biggest improvement, however, comes in the interior of the 2011 Compass, where the previous hard plastic gives way to new soft-touch front-door trim panels and center armrest. The seat upholstery and steering wheel are also upgraded.
A new option for 2011 is the all-weather Capability Group, which bundles Goodyear 17-inch all-terrain tires, all-season floor mats, daytime running headlamps, engine block heater and tow hooks.
Jeep has also revised the suspension on this compact crossover. The 2011 Compass features retuned springs and shock absorbers with more rebound damping, plus a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar.
Standard safety features include electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist (with manual transmission) and side curtain airbags for all rows.
The 2011 Compass is available in three configurations: Compass, Latitude and Limited. All can be equipped with front-wheel drive, the Freedom Drive I full-time active 4x4 system or the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package full-time active 4x4 system with low-range capability.
Engines and transmissions are carryovers on the 2011 Jeep Compass. A 2.0-liter inline-4 rated at 158 horsepower is standard, with a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder optional. Buyers have their choice of a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Inside Line says: The Compass interior is noticeably improved, but the new sheet metal doesn't do much for us. A full redesign can't come soon enough. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
lostboyz says:
03:20 AM, 12/15/2010
@angry_mushroom, no kidding. The company was owned by a bunch of people who didn't know how to run a car company. After bunkruptcy and fiat partnership you see an improvement of the cars already in production and 2 years time you will see a brand new small car. Show me another car company that produced any new car in under 2 years.
dvsuton12 says:
10:16 PM, 12/14/2010
"hondalover4life" rented a Chrysler? Yeah, right. What a troll.
angry_mushroom says:
07:49 PM, 12/14/2010
@lostboyz:
Fact is that Chrysler right now has no good small cars or 4 cylinder engines, and it won't till next year at the earliest. The Caliber was pathetic from the get go, but they finally killed it. Granted they did fix quite a few major issues, but the engines should have been a priority 5 years ago.
delraylocal says:
07:24 AM, 12/14/2010
i cant stand the c pillar on this thing.
juan_mx says:
06:41 AM, 12/14/2010
@hondalvr4life
The 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.4L GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance) engines used by Chrysler are basically the same engines used by Mitsubishi and Hyundai, they are very efficient engines.
The problem with the 4-cyl Chryslers seems to be the CVT transmission, or more likely its software, given that the transmission is similar to the ones used by Nissan and Mitsubishi.
lostboyz says:
03:48 AM, 12/14/2010
@hondalvr4life
I don't even know where to start with your uninformed posting.
"Chrysler doesn't make a single good 4 cylinder engine IMO"
"They need to design a new from the ground 1.8L 4 and 2.4L 4 with direct injection like Hyundai's new 4 cylinders."
Guess where hyundai's 2.4L engine came from?
Chrysler is also inheriting the 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6L i-4s from fiat that have some of the best tech in the industry for small i4s.
"...mate the engine too 4 spd auto or CVT..."
Maybe read again, 5-spd manual or CVT.
"With fluctuanting gas prices their focus should be on new, more fuel efficient 4 cylinders but all we have seen from them in terms of new products are still gas guzzling SUVs, Trucks, and Vans. Where is a good small car to compete with the Civic, Focus, Forte?"
Again, new 4 cylinders coming, new small car coming. All of this is in the news maybe you should get informed.
The only new products chrysler has come out with is the JGC and soon the Durango, cars that have been in the works for awhile. You cannot build a new car from the ground up in 1 year. Frankly it wasn't thought possible to refresh every vehicle in your lineup in one year but Chrysler has done that. Give it time and the new product will be coming out.
But with a name like "hondalvr4life" I don't even know why I bothered. Might as well be "I'm going to troll everything that isn't honda"
hondalvr4life says:
08:49 PM, 12/13/2010
@ lostboyz
I've driven plenty of 2010 Compass and Patriots from enterprise and the powertrain is the second weakest thing about it (interior is first). The CVT makes the noisy 4 cylinder drone loudy and it is extremely slow. Replacing the lackluster powertrain 2.4L CVT combo should have been their number one priority but it wasnt. Chrysler doesn't make a single good 4 cylinder engine IMO. They focused all their efforts on the Pentastar V6 but in reality their 2.0L and 2.4L engines are lacking in terms of noise, refinement, power, fuel consumption, and the transmissions they choose the mate the engine too 4 spd auto or CVT makes them even worst. They need to design a new from the ground 1.8L 4 and 2.4L 4 with direct injection like Hyundai's new 4 cylinders. With fluctuanting gas prices their focus should be on new, more fuel efficient 4 cylinders but all we have seen from them in terms of new products are still gas guzzling SUVs, Trucks, and Vans. Where is a good small car to compete with the Civic, Focus, Forte?
lions208487 says:
06:25 PM, 12/13/2010
Get rid of either the compass or patriot, but don't produce both. A turbo 4 would give this small suv the same standout ability that Chrystler is doing with the new Journey. This tiny i4 is just worthless.
lostboyz says:
05:02 PM, 12/13/2010
"How about they save themselves costs, get rid of the Compass and the Patriot, and just make one good Cherokee?"
if you don't know anything about the auto industry just stop talking. Cancelling a program mid cycle would cost millions. There are contracts with suppliers and the overhead cost of plant tooling.
The vehicle is being replaced in due time, until then they are making the best with what they have.
Also, the vehice doesn't weigh much it doesn't need any big drivetrain in there. Also the CVT was updated last year to have a better low range. Try one you might change your mine.
ford_flexer says:
04:52 PM, 12/13/2010
They finally got the ugliest part of it off the front and replaced it something more comfortable. This,the patriot and the liberty seem much like lady vehicles. Now the next biggest change it needs is it's shape to me never liked it never will.