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2009 Jeep Compass Safety Review

June 1, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Drivers must deal with rear quarter blind spots
Kelley Blue Book

Not tested
IIHS

Four stars, front impact--driver and passenger; five stars, side impact--driver, passenger, and rear passenger
NHTSA

The 2009 Jeep Compass has good standard safety features and crash-test ratings, but poor driver visibility.

Although the Compass has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2009 Jeep Compass receives four of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on front impact protection for the driver and passenger as well as rollover resistance (both 2WD and 4WD). The Jeep Compass receives five stars for side-impact protection for both driver and rear passengers.

Sharing the same platform as the Jeep Compass and Patriot is the Dodge Caliber, which receives a "good" rating for the frontal offset crash test and a "marginal" rating for both the side impact and rear crash protection tests. It is likely that the Jeep Compass will have a similar IIHS rating, but this is not yet confirmed.

Jeep equips the Compass with stability control and full-length side curtain airbags, both of which Edmunds refers to as "important safety features." Kelley Blue Book says traction control is standard. Side airbags are an option on the Compass. The 2009 Compass also has many standard safety features like ABS, front airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

ConsumerGuide notes faults with visibility, saying, "Visibility to front corners and over-the-shoulder is impeded by thick roof pillars, and to the rear by tall headrests." Kelley Blue Book finds the rear view most obscured, warning, "Drivers must deal with rear quarter blind spots."

Conclusion

TheCarConnection.com scores the 2009 Jeep Compass slightly harsher than the similar 2009 Jeep Patriot due to a lower crash-test rating for the front passenger.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Drivers must deal with rear quarter blind spotsKelley Blue BookNot testedIIHSFour stars, front impact--driver and passenger; five stars, side impact--driver, passenger, and rear passengerNHTSA The 2009 Jeep Compass has good standard safety features and crash-test ratings, but poor driver visibility. Although the Compass has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2009 Jeep Compass receives four of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on front impact protection for the driver and passenger as well as rollover resistance (both 2WD and 4WD). The Jeep Compass receives five stars for side-impact protection for both driver and rear passengers. Sharing the same platform as the Jeep Compass and Patriot is the Dodge Caliber, which receives a "good" rating for the frontal offset crash test and a "marginal" rating for both the side impact and rear crash protection tests. It is likely that the Jeep Compass will have a similar IIHS rating, but this is not yet confirmed. Jeep equips the Compass with stability control and full-length side curtain airbags, both of which Edmunds refers to as "important safety features." Kelley Blue Book says traction control is standard. Side airbags are an option on the Compass. The 2009 Compass also has many standard safety features like ABS, front airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. ConsumerGuide notes faults with visibility, saying, "Visibility to front corners and over-the-shoulder is impeded by thick roof pillars, and to the rear by tall headrests." Kelley Blue Book finds the rear view most obscured, warning, "Drivers must deal with rear quarter blind spots." ConclusionTheCarConnection.com scores the 2009 Jeep Compass slightly harsher than the similar 2009 Jeep Patriot due to a lower crash-test rating for the front passenger. 2009 JEEP COMPASS STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: " Jeep Modern" Edmunds: "less inviting" ConsumerGuide: "Lacks the overall refinement...especially in interior decor" The 2009 Jeep Compass has an uncharacteristic style that’s not pleasing to most reviewers. Editors at The ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Nissan Rogue is similar to the 2009 Jeep Compass in layout; it also utilizes a four-cylinder engine and a CVT for its powertrain. This combination works better in the Rogue than in the Compass. The Rogue, while simple in its presentation, did not feel or look cheaply screwed together. It's easy to group the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V together, as they represent the best of the small crossover SUVs in several respects. The Honda is more carlike and delivers refinement in all areas where the 2009 Jeep Compass fails. Ditto for the RAV4, but in a vehicle with some off-road capabilities. The Tucson benefits from Hyundai's aggressive pricing-vs.-feature equation (low price with lots of features). A V-6 is available, but we find the styling somewhat awkward. The Tucson's excellent warranty may make you ignore anything you don't like about the styling. It's easy to identify the popular Ford Escape as a reasonable competitor to the Jeep Compass. If you have the opportunity to drive a 2009 Escape, you'll enjoy a much more substantial vehicle that offers V-6 and gas/electric hybrid power in addition to a four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic.

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See the Jeep Compass in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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