Car news! Jeep Compass SUV

Jeep Compass SUV

Full 2015 Jeep Compass Review

What's New for 2015

The 2015 Compass loses its combination cargo light/flashlight, and the High Altitude package downgrades to 17-inch wheels. In happier news, navigation is newly available on the midgrade Latitude trim, and the Altitude and High Altitude can now be had with all-wheel drive.

Introduction

You know how the old adage goes: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." But every vehicle deserves a review, however unloved it may be. And that's how we end up discussing the 2015 Jeep Compass compact crossover.

In fairness, Jeep has made sure the Compass has a few things going for it, most notably rock-bottom pricing and above-average off-road ability when equipped with a few special options. But that's where the positives end. Those off-road options result in being stuck with an unpleasant continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and dismal fuel economy as part of the deal. Then there's the weak base engine, disappointing crash-test results and generally unrefined character that put this crossover at the back of the pack.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 Jeep Compass is a five-passenger small crossover SUV available in three primary trim levels: Sport, Latitude and Limited. Two subtrims -- Altitude Edition and High Altitude Edition -- add features to the Sport and Latitude, respectively.

Standard features for the Sport include 16-inch alloy wheels (upgraded to 17s if the larger 2.4-liter engine is specified), foglights, roof rails, air-conditioning, cruise control, manual accessories (windows, locks and mirrors), 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a tilt-only steering wheel and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The optional Power Value Group adds power accessories, heated mirrors, keyless entry and additional body-color exterior pieces.

The Altitude Edition package adds 18-inch black gloss alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, "sport mesh" upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The Latitude starts with the Sport's standard features and adds a bright mesh grille, extended exterior and interior chrome trim, a height-adjustable driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 115-volt power outlet and the Altitude Edition's leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio controls) and heated front seats.

The High Altitude Edition package lacks the Altitude Edition's blacked-out trim, but it starts with the Latitude's equipment roster and throws in 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a six-way power driver seat (plus manual lumbar adjustment) and a sunroof.