The available UConnect tech package doesn't overcome the poor first impression left by the 2009 Jeep Compass Sport's chintzy build quality and subpar performance.
The Compass' designers made some odd choices when styling the crossover, such as the odd floating corner indicators that don't seem to line up with anything, or the bulbous front and rear fenders.
While the sloppy suspension and uncommunicative steering don't give the driver any valuable information about the vehicle's grip, they do transmit quite a bit of noise and harshness into the cabin.
The 2.4-liter engine feels underpowered in the Compass, straining and whining when the accelerator is pressed, but not actually hustling the vehicle with any sense of urgency.
And this is the larger of the two engines offered! A 2-liter engine is also available.
As tested, our Compass Sport 4X4 with CVT transaxle is rated at 21 city/24 highway mpg.
The thriftiest Compass configuration is the 2.4-liter engine paired with a 4X2 manual transmission, which nets 23 city/28 highway, which causes us to question why Jeep even offers a 2-liter configuration.
Part of a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio package, the MusicGate speakers flip down from the raised lift gate to provide music to tailgaters and picnickers.
The Compass' interior feels a grade below it's $19,465 base price, which is saying a lot. Cheap plastics and coarse fabrics are the rule in the Jeep's cabin.
