But the effect was softened with a styling change for the compact crossover SUV in 2011, and improved more by additional styling updates for 2014.
The interior has been improved over time and got 2014 updates, too.
Also for 2014 — we had despaired of ever reporting this bit of joy — a conventional six-speed automatic transmission has replaced the CVT (continuously variable-ratio automatic transmission) on most versions.
CVTs typically are portrayed as more efficient at keeping the engine revved to its just-right speed for more miles per gallon. But the Compass with six-speed automatic is rated higher than the version with CVT.
"Our customers told us they liked the car, and would like it better with a regular transmission," spokesman Kathy Graham says.
Smart bunch, those Jeepers, Test Drive says.
An all-wheel-drive Compass with 2.4-liter four-cylinder, for instance, gets government numbers of 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg highway and 23 city/highway combined. The CVT version is rated 20/23/21.
Looked at another way, the front-drive Compass with 2.4-liter engine and six-speed auto gets a better rating than the lighter, less-powerful FWD Compass with base 2-liter engine and CVT.
Our drive of the latest Compass, a top-level AWD Limited model, was part of a multi-model Jeep showcase. Those other Jeeps around apparently diluted what Test Drive still thinks is pretty ugly styling, and let us focus on how the Compass drives.
Really well, as it turns out. In fact, it's quite clear why Compass sales have been booming.
The suspension, we discovered on the back roads around this isolated area that's home to a race track and off-road course, is an appealing blend of comfortable ride and a tight, controlled feeling around the kinds of corners most people face most of the ! time.
Not a Porsche, of course, but very satisfying handling, even in frisky motoring.
Steering is quite good, and that's never a certainly nowadays.
The optional engine makes the small, relatively light Compass quick, and — at least by Test Drive's low standards — it doesn't use a ton of gas. Our mileage topped 21 mpg in back-road drives using lots of wide-open throttle (because it's fun) and exercising the manual-shift mode of the six-speed automatic often.
Optional leather upholstery and newly available backup camera give the little Compass a more grown-up feel.
An optional Freedom Drive II off-road package continues to use the CVT with a crawl gear. That version has Jeep's "Trail Rated" imprimatur, so should be a true performer in mud and rock and other challenging terrain.
We kept the Compass on the pavement, and saved our off-roading for the new Cherokee, which was the main reason for the Summit Point gig. Test Drive reviewed the Cherokee late last year.
Most quality time with a vehicle is spent inside it, so driving behavior and interior probably are more important than exterior styling. But despite laudable mechanical and interior changes, Compass' styling would keep it off our list.
However, if your tastes run to a more traditional Jeep look, you can get nearly all the features and changes on the mechanically similar Jeep Patriot compact.
ABOUT THE 2014 JEEP COMPASS
What? Update of compact, four-door, five-seat SUV. Front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
When? On sale since April.
Where built? Belvidere, Ill.
How much? $19,590 with $995 shipping for base Sport FWD to $34,591 for Limited AWD with all options.
What makes it go? 2-liter four rated 158 hp at 6,400 rpm, 141 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 on base only or 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated 172 hp at 6,000 rpm, 165 lb.-ft. at 4,400 optional on base, standard on others.
Transmissions: five-speed manual or six-speed autom! atic most! models. Five-speed or CVT on base. Freedom Drive II off-road group has CVT, crawl ratio.
How big? Similar to Honda CR-V, but, at 3,097 to 3,354 lbs. is lighter. Passenger space: 101.3 cu. ft. Cargo: 22.7 cu. ft. behind rear seat, 62.7 cu. ft. when rear and front passenger seats folded.
How thirsty? FWD models rated 21-23 miles per gallon city, 27-30 highway, 24-26 combined. AWD: 20-23/23-28/21-25.
AWD test vehicle averaged 21.3 mpg (4.69 gallons per 100 miles) driven hard on rural roads.
Burns regular. Tank holds about 13.5 gallons.
Overall: Surprisingly pleasant to drive; styling needs help.
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