2014 Jeep Compass debuts updates at Detroit auto show

                                          Engineering updates expected to improve fuel efficiency, power

The Jeep Compass compact SUV gets a light refresh for 2014, and is bowing Monday at the Detroit auto show.

The most notable change with the 2014 Compass is a switch from a CVT to a new six-speed automatic as the main transmission option. PowerTech independently developed the fully electronic transmission, designing it to improve fuel efficiency and performance.

The six-speed features a closely aligned 5.46-gear spread, which provides, according to Jeep, “nearly imperceptible shifting.” Fuel-economy numbers are not yet available.

Jeep also claims the transmission will reduce maintenance costs because it features a “fill for life” design. There is neither transmission dipstick nor transmission filter, and fluid changes are not required under normal driving conditions. Low-viscosity fluid is used to improve fuel economy by enabling quicker operating temperatures on the transmission to reduce drag on internal components.

The 2014 Jeep Compass lineup carries over from previous years with three configurations: Sport, Latitude and Limited. All are available with front-wheel drive, the Freedom Drive I full-time active 4x4 system or the Freedom Drive II off-road full-time active 4x4 system with low-range capability.

Jeep Freedom Drive I 4x4 is a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system that can be used daily for low-traction, slick conditions. The system can also be locked in four-wheel drive for deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces. The Jeep Freedom Drive II 4x4 Off-Road package is an available four-wheel drive system that includes 17-inch all-terrain tires with aluminum wheels, a 1-inch raised ride height, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat-height adjuster. A CVT can be mated to Freedom Drive II, returning 20 mpg city, 23 highway.

The standard powertrain option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or the optional (new) six-speed automatic transmission. It achieves 23 mpg city and 30 highway when mated to the five-speed manual.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. It is available on all models and standard on the top Limited model. The engine features dual variable-valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and produce more power, achieving better fuel economy and a smoother engine operation. This setup with a five-speed manual in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive achieves 23 mpg city and 28 highway.

Exterior upgrades are minor, but keep the Compass looking modern. The grille -- on the Latitude and Limited -- is enhanced with plated upper-grille trim and mold-in-color billet silver grille texture. Halogen headlamps now have a black inner bezel on the base Sport and Latitude models, and the Limited models have projector halogen headlamps with a black inner bezel and chrome fog lamp bezels.

The Compass features painted mirror caps, tail lamps with a new “smoked” inner bezel, a plated chrome insert on the tailgate trim, new available 18-inch aluminum wheels on Limited models and a new, chrome-plated insert with recessed “Jeep” badge on the tailgate trim for models equipped with the available rear backup camera.

Inside, the instrument cluster graphics have been updated and accents are finished in satin chrome. The top-of-the-line Limited model has a new interior trim option: Saddle brown perforated leather seating with accent stitching. The Latitude gets a new sport mesh and vinyl seat with light gray accent stitching. A Light Pebble beige trim features a new tangerine accent stitch on the seats.

About the Detroit auto show

The annual North American International Auto Show, better known as the Detroit auto show, has maintained its place as a barometer for the entire industry. For 2013, NAIAS takes place Jan. 14-27 and will host concept cars, green cars and supercars from all the major automakers, including what's expected to be a highlight this year: the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage of the Detroit auto show here.