2009 Jeep Compass Limited 4WD

The 2009 Jeep Compass Limited 4WD gets a locking center differential and a sport suspension for on- and off-road adventure. Its 2.4-liter engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and pushes power to all four 18-inch alloys with the benefit of traction control. Just to make sure you’re muddin’ in style and comfort, heated leather front bucket seats and reclining split-folding rears are included, as well as privacy glass, a 6-CD and MP3 player and air conditioning. Power mirrors, windows, and door locks, curiously omitted from the Sport trim, are standard with the Limited, as is remote-keyless entry. The stereo comes with a digital-media player connection and satellite radio, as well as controls on the tilt and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Foglights and roof rails provide utility, as does an automatic rearview, a garage door opener, a 115-volt power outlet, outside temperature indicator, and a tachometer. Variable-intermittent front wipers do windshield duty, while the rear is handled by a defogger with a wiper and washer combo.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are aided by brake assist and an anti-skid system. Dual front and curtain-side airbags are standard, as are a tire pressure monitor and a theft-deterrent system.

By Michael Perkins