Fuel economy and cost efficiency are the hallmarks of the 2012 Jeep Compass, which remains virtually the same after some revisions during the previous model year's production run. As one of the least expensive compact SUVs on the market, the Compass finds itself competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Volkswagen Tiguan and holding steady due to its surprisingly adept handling in off-road conditions.

Six trims are available for the 2012 Jeep Compass: the Sport, Latitude and Limited are each available in a front-wheel drive and a 4-wheel drive (4WD) version. Sport and Latitude trims come equipped with a 158-hp 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that achieves 141 lb-ft of torque, while Limited trims get a 172-hp 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, also with VVT, that attains 165 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive standard, and a continuously variable transmission with manual shift mode is optional for Latitude and Limited trims. All Compass trims run on regular unleaded gasoline. The EPA estimates FWD Sport and Latitude trims get 23 mpg city/25 highway while all 4WD trims get 22/28. The FWD Limited gets 21/28. The towing capacity of the Sport trims maxes out at 1,000 pounds, while Latitude and Limited trims can haul up to 2,000 pounds.

Standard equipment for the Sport trims includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power exterior mirrors, power steering, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, premium cloth bucket seats, 60/40 split-folding backseat, deep tint sunscreen glass, power heated fold-away mirrors, rear window defroster and wiper, 4-speaker media center with AM/FM radio, CD player and WMA/MP3 jack, roof rails, halogen headlights and 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels equipped with all-season performance tires.

Buyers choosing the Latitude trim additionally receive as standard equipment a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, height-adjustable driver’s seat, front passenger fold-flat seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split reclining backseat, remote start system and a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet. Upgrading to the Limited trim adds air conditioning with automatic temperature control, leather-trimmed bucket seats, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustment, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, tire pressure monitoring system, media center with AM/FM radio, 6-CD/DVD changer and WMA/MP3 jack, Sirius XM satellite radio with 1-year trial subscription, HomeLink control, electronic vehicle information center and 18-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment.

Options available for the 2012 Jeep Compass include Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth HandsFree system, engine block heater, 9 Boston Acoustic speakers with subwoofer, 2 liftgate speakers, high beam daytime running lights, remote start, a navigation system, supplemental front seat-mounted airbags, a power sunroof and 18-inch aluminum or aluminum chrome-clad wheels.

For safety, the 2012 Jeep Compass comes standard with advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental side-curtain front and rear airbags, active head restraints, fog lamps, 4-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability control and hill start assist.

Interior color choices are Dark Slate Gray or Dark Slate Gray/Light Pebble Beige, while exterior color choices include Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Copperhead Pearl, Deep Cherry Red, Mineral Gray Metallic, Rescue Green Metallic and True Blue Pearl.

Owners of the 2012 Jeep Compass, while pleased with the compact SUV's off-road capabilities, lament about the loudness of the engine, especially when paired with the CVT during highway driving. Some mention how underpowered the Compass feels, especially when moving through city traffic. Cornering is about what you would expect in an SUV, with a small amount of body roll during tight turns.