Market Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking a practical, domestically produced SUV with Jeep's brand identity, often at an accessible price point.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Equinox.
Design Philosophy:
Combines SUV styling and utility with a car-like ride and handling, offering practicality and everyday usability. Shares platform with Mitsubishi Outlander.
Powertrain Options:
Available with a choice of two inline-4 engines, front-wheel drive or Jeep's Freedom Drive I all-wheel-drive system.
Interior Versatility:
Offers a practical interior with folding rear seats for expanded cargo space, suitable for hauling gear and everyday tasks.
Driver And Passenger Safety:
Seat belt operation and care, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, child seat installation and restraints, LATCH system.
Instruments And Controls:
Dashboard layout, indicator lights and warning symbols, gauge functions (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), information display features, steering column controls (wipers, headlights, turn signals).
Features:
Climate control system operation (HVAC), audio system functions, steering wheel mounted controls, security system features (alarms, immobilizer), cruise control system operation.
Before Driving:
Fuel recommendations and capacity, vehicle break-in procedures, proper cargo loading and weight distribution, checking tire pressures.
Driving:
Engine operation and starting procedures, transmission engagement and operation (automatic/CVT), understanding DOHC technology.
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals and capacity, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), basic user-accessible maintenance (air filter replacement, wiper blade replacement), vehicle storage recommendations.
Unexpected Situations:
Procedure for changing a flat tire, jump-starting a dead battery, addressing overheating, locating and replacing fuses and bulbs.
Technical Information:
General vehicle specifications, tire and wheel fitment, emission control systems overview.
Customer Relations:
Warranty information, contact details for customer assistance, registration and service records.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance checks, fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Identifying warning lights, basic steps for common issues (overheating, flat tire, dead battery), fuse identification and replacement.
Driving Techniques:
Proper engine and transmission operation, cruise control usage, fuel economy driving tips.
Safety Features Operation:
Seat belt adjustment and use, child restraint system installation, understanding airbag deployment.
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Focuses on understanding vehicle features, performing basic checks and fluid top-offs, and handling common roadside emergencies. Does not cover in-depth mechanical diagnostics or repairs.
Length:
170.1 inches (4320 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
64.1 inches (1628 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.7 inches (2634 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.5 inches (190 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 23.0 cubic feet (651 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 53.5 cubic feet (1515 liters)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1406-1497 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Seat:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Rear Seat:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
★★★★ (4 Stars) for FWD / ★★★ (3 Stars) for AWD
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard on AWD models, available on FWD.
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard on all models (market dependent).
Airbags:
Standard front-seat mounted airbags, optional front-seat side curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front and rear occupants, height-adjustable front belts.
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child protection rear door locks.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustics premium audio system available on higher trims.
Display:
Center stack display for audio and climate controls, basic trip computer functions.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system, integrated into steering wheel or column stalks.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry system for convenience.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack available for connecting external music players.
Power Ports:
12V power outlet(s) for accessory charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or every oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) thereafter.
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API certified).
Engine Oil Type 2.4L:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API certified).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, 5 Year / 100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent HOAT).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF +4.
Transmission Fluid Type Cvt:
CVT Fluid (Mopar CVTF+4 or equivalent).
Common Complaints 2007:
Transmission issues (CVT belt slippage/failure, rough shifting), minor electrical gremlins, early signs of rust on body panels, some reports of catalytic converter issues.
Engine Issues:
The GEMA engines are generally reliable but can be sensitive to oil maintenance. Carbon buildup can occur on intake valves, potentially affecting performance.
Cvt Reliability:
The CVT transmission, while providing good fuel economy, has been a noted area of concern for reliability in early models of this generation.
Jeep Heritage:
Jeep, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a storied history dating back to World War II, known for its ruggedness and off-road capability. The Compass aimed to blend this heritage with the growing crossover segment.
Introduction Year:
The Jeep Compass was introduced for the 2007 model year.
Platform Sharing:
It was part of Chrysler's 'Project X' initiative and shared its 'MK' platform with the Dodge Caliber and Mitsubishi Outlander, signifying a period of platform consolidation and shared development.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Model Lifecycle:
The first generation (MK) ran from 2007 to 2016, with a significant facelift for the 2011 model year.
Safety Recognition:
Received good ratings in NHTSA crash tests for its time, indicating a decent level of structural integrity and occupant protection for the era.
Design Awards:
Not widely recognized with major design awards, but contributed to Jeep's expansion into the compact crossover segment with a distinctive styling.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
EPA estimates for 2007 models ranged from approximately 19-21 MPG city and 24-27 MPG highway, depending on engine and drivetrain.