The 2016 Jeep Compass: Performance and Practicality Meet
The 2016 Jeep Compass is the go-to for those looking for a vehicle that has the performance of an SUV and the practical size of a compact car. Thanks to this unique pairing, the Compass is able to gain benefits from both sides. The smaller size of a compact car brings with it better aerodynamics, increased fuel-efficiency, and easier handling. The power of the SUV comes from under the hood, and (if properly equipped) the Compass is able to take on harsh off-roading conditions.
This intuitive engineering is what makes the Compass the intersection of performance and practicality in the 2016 Jeep lineup.
A Compact and Practical Design
The Compass is one of the smallest Jeeps in the lineup; therefore, it has benefits that the larger Jeeps in the family don’t have. We all love the Wrangler, but it’s not the most aerodynamic ride. It’s great for smashing through anything that gets in its way, but if you are looking for efficiency, go for the Compass. Why? The compact size makes it smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic than some of its larger Jeep counter parts. Those three things add up to promote fuel-efficiency, and it gets 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the 2.0-liter DOHC I4 engine paired to an automatic transmission.
Thanks to its size, the Compass handles easier than a larger SUV. You can get in and out of parking spaces better, change lanes easier, and you don’t need to swing it as wide to get around corners/vehicles in a parking lot. I’m not saying the Wrangler is an awful vehicle for these things, it does just fine. But, you can’t deny that the smaller size of the 2016 Jeep Compass provides unique benefits.
These benefits shine even more when you consider the Compass is the size of a compact car, but performs like an SUV.
Performance of an SUV
Just because it’s a compact design doesn’t mean its performance is poor. Actually, the performance is quite impressive for an SUV of this size. The 2016 Jeep Compass comes with two engine options: the standard 2.0-liter I4 DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT engine for FWD models, and the 2.4-liter I4 DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT engine for 4×4 models. The 2.0-liter engine puts out 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft torque, and the 2.4-liter engine puts out 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque.
If you want the best fuel-economy possible, then opt for the 2.0-liter engine on the Sport FWD model, which gets an impressive 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Even if you don’t get that model, you don’t need to sacrifice fuel economy for power, and upgrading to a 4×4 model with a 2.4-liter engine gets you between 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway to 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, depending on trim level.
If you opt for a 4×4 model, the stronger engine isn’t the only performance upgrade that comes with it. It also comes standard equipped with the Freedom Drive II off-road package — which provides this little SUV with above-average off-road performance.
Price
The price of the 2016 Jeep Compass starts at an attractively low MSRP of $19,595, and goes up to $26,890 for the High Altitude 4×4 trim. Since you have the option of a FWD or 4×4 model, the Compass also brings versatility to the table.
Which means, not only is the Compass the intersection of practicality and performance, but it’s also designed to fit whatever type of driving experience you are looking for.
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