A six-speed PowerTech automatic transmission debuts in the 2014 Jeep Compass powertrain portfolio. The newest Compass transmission--with its 5.46 gear spread-- is a stable mate to a 5- speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Compass has been re-groomed with minor exterior changes (like the black inner halogen headlamp bezel on Jeep Sport and Latitude models) and subtle interior alterations (like the tangerine seat stitching accent color available on the Latitude model). The 103.7-inch wheelbase Compass serves up 8.1 inches of ground clearance. When fitted with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, the ground clearance is 9.1 inches.

The 2.4-liter engine/CVT on the test-driven Compass easily handled the grind of stop-and-go traffic commutes and was hiccup-free during expressway jaunts. With its 172 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 165 pounds-feet of peak torque at 4400 rpm, the 2.4-liter engine is more powerful that the alternative offering, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 158 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 141 pounds of torque at 5000 rpm. With the rear 60/40 split seat upright, Compass has 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Cargo volume increases to 53.6 cubic feet with rear seat folded and expands to 62.7 cubic feet with front passenger seat and rear seat folded. Compass Latitude 4x4 with 2.4- liter engine and CVT collects estimated mpg of 20 city/23 highway and carries an MSRP of $23,995.