The Jeep Compass has received a major redesign for the 2011 model year, including the addition of a Trail Rated package.

The first thing you’ll notice is that the whole front end has been redesigned to resemble the car’s big brother, the new Grand Cherokee. As for the rear, some minor changes have been made here, most notably LED taillamps, but it remains roughly the same as before. To finish off the appearance changes, Jeep has thrown in some new rims.

The most important change is probably the interior, as this has been the weak point of virtually all recent Chrysler Group vehicles. The Compass’ new interior is similar to the rest of Chrysler Group’s new interiors, and judging by initial reviews, these are very nicely done, with a nice feel to the materials. Even in terms of appearance, it looks much more upscale than before.

Mechanically, the new Compass is available with two engines: a 2.0L inline-four with 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4L inline-four developing 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. When paired with a five-speed manual transmission, both are capable of 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. They can also be ordered with a CVT. Moreover, Jeep has revised the suspension.

The 2011 Compass is offered with two optional four-wheel-drive configurations. The first is Freedom Drive I, a full-time, active 4WD system with lock mode. This is recommended for daily driving in low-grip conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. Then there’s the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, a Trail Rated 4WD package which is designed to handle a little more than just your daily drive. This includes a continuously variable transaxle with low range, engaged when the drive activates off-road mode, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a one-inch increase in ride height, full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps, and manual seat height adjuster.

The updated Compass will begin sales later this month. Pricing has not been announced.

Press Release

A “Grand” New Jeep® Compass

New, Redesigned 2011 Jeep® Compass: Sophisticated New Styling, Unsurpassed Capability and Fuel Economy and Loads of Standard Features 

• New 2011 Jeep® Compass is beautifully redesigned, reflecting the styling cues of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Unsurpassed compact SUV 4×4 fuel economy (28 mpg) and off-road capability, and innovative interior features combine to provide tremendous value
• Upgraded interior features soft touch points and high quality materials
  Exceptional ride and handling performance in all weather conditions is the result of upgraded steering and suspension systems for 2011
• 2011 Jeep Compass features more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows
• 2011 Jeep Compass now offers Trail Rated® 4×4 capability with Freedom Drive II® Off-Road package
  Compass joins Jeep Patriot as most capable in compact-SUV segment

December 13, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Offering unsurpassed 4×4 fuel economy and off-road capability in the compact-SUV segment, the new 2011 Jeep® Compass features a stunning new sophisticated design, with cues coming directly from the brand’s premium icon, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Coupled with a host of interior refinements, and improved ride and handling characteristics in all conditions – courtesy of upgraded steering and suspension systems – the new Jeep Compass offers a unique blend of premium styling, capability, efficiency and value that is unmatched in the compact-SUV segment.

“With the new 2011 Jeep Compass, we’ve applied the premium design cues of our award-winning new Grand Cherokee,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Combined with new interior appointments, and refinements to the suspension and steering systems, Jeep Compass provides consumers the ultimate combination of styling, capability, fuel economy, efficiency, safety and value in the important compact-SUV segment.”

Delivering the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car, the new 2011 Jeep Compass also boasts more than 30 safety and security features, including standard side-curtain air bags, electronic stability program (ESC), electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), side curtain air bags for all rows and available front-seat-mounted side air bags.

Design
The new 2011 Jeep Compass has a distinct family resemblance to the all-new, premium 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

With a new hood, new front fenders, new fascia and new headlamps as well as a new grille that has been detailed with a small dose of chrome surrounding the traditional seven slots found on all Jeep vehicles, the new face of the Compass features a more serious, yet sophisticated, appearance. Forward lighting performance is improved with the use of quad reflector headlamps, and the fog lamps are now high output projector lamps. Adding an element of muscle, the hood has been enhanced with a subtle power bulge. The result is a vehicle that projects an attitude that is much more serious and conveys the Compass’ capability in all weather and driving conditions.

New brightwork throughout the exterior lends an upscale touch without compromising the off-road performance of the Compass. A band of protective cladding has been added for 2011, serving to fend off debris when driving in challenging weather conditions or off-road, and providing a new appearance.

This trend continues with enhancements to the rear of the Compass. A new rear fascia, new body-color rear spoiler and subtle, upscale touches including new LED taillamps and on the Limited model, bright trim on the step pad and a chrome exhaust tip adorn the new 2011 Jeep Compass. Topping it off, a new set of roof rails were designed with a slimmed down appearance and a small amount of brightwork. The 2011 Compass sports new, standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, and 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels are available on Limited models.

Interior upgrades for the 2011 Jeep Compass include new soft touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface; a new center armrest; a new Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, available handsfree phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; new cloth interior with premium cloth bucket seats in the front; standard speed control on all models; new backlighting of door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls.

The new 2011 Jeep Compass offers an array of clever features consumers will appreciate whether commuting to work, driving in challenging weather conditions, exploring new trails or out-of-the-way places. Uconnect media center with iPod interface, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, power sunroof, a premium audio system with nine Boston Acoustic speakers, illuminated cup holders, liftgate speakers and fold-flat rear seats are some of the available cool features that make the Compass the perfect compact SUV, enabling consumers to enjoy any adventure.

The 2011 Jeep Compass is packed with standard features that provide value and convenience for drivers and passengers. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power/heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, aluminum wheels, fog lamps, cruise control and sunscreen glass.

New for 2011 the Jeep Compass offers an All-weather Capability Group option which includes Goodyear 17-inch all-terrain tires, all-season floor mats, daytime running headlamps, engine block heater and tow hooks.

Segment-leading Capability
The 2011 Jeep Compass offers customers unsurpassed 4×4 off-road capability with Jeep Freedom Drive II. The new Jeep Compass also boasts a retuned suspension for 2011, with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and an increased diameter of the rear sway bar. Despite these numerous capability features, the 2011 Jeep Compass boasts unsurpassed 4×4 fuel economy in its segment.

Jeep Compass is available in three drivetrain configurations. In addition to the standard front-wheel-drive system, Jeep Compass also is available with Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that delivers Jeep Trail Rated® capability in Compass form. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a one-inch raised ride height, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is recommended for moderate off-road situations that include steep grades, occasional wheel lift and rock or log climbing.

The 2011 Jeep Compass’ powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance in all weather conditions, fuel economy and refinement, all at an affordable, value-packed price.

Compass features a standard 2.0-liter World Engine for the Compass and Latitude models that provides 158 horsepower (117 kW) and 141 lb.-ft. (191 N•m) of torque coupled with the continuously variable transmission (CVT2), and delivers unsurpassed 23 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg on the highway when mated to the five-speed manual transmission.

The proven 2.4-liter World Engine produces 172-horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque and is available on all models and standard on the Limited. This 2.4-liter World Engine has dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Jeep Compass’ price class. The Jeep Compass’ 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle in front-wheel drive configuration delivers unsurpassed 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, and 29 mpg on the highway.

Jeep Compass also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle on the entry-level Compass and a CVT that is available on the Compass and standard on the Latitude and Limited models. The Compass’ CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6–8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic. The Compass CVT2 also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transaxle because of optimized gear ratios, especially in the 30–60 mph range during passing maneuvers.

The 2011 Jeep Compass also provides up to 2,000 lbs. of towing capacity.

Jeep Compass Model Lineup
The 2011 Jeep Compass is available in three configurations: Compass, Latitude and Limited. All are available with front-wheel drive, the Freedom Drive I full-time, active 4×4 system or the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package full-time, active 4×4 system with low-range capability.

The 2011 Jeep Compass is available in the following exterior colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Clear Coat Deep Charcoal Gray (limited availability) and Mineral Gray Pearl Coat (late availability).

Built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill., the new 2011 Jeep Compass models will begin to arrive in Jeep showrooms in December 2010.

Source: Chrysler