The 2009 Jeep Compass is an interestingly styled mid-size SUV that seats five passengers. Its exterior has a swooping profile up top, but the lower half is still quite boxy. While some are attracted to the Compass's unique flair, others will certainly be put off by its individuality. Though the Compass has been ranked by many media outlets as the worst model in the maker's lineup, there are several key features that make the Compass worthwhile. The 2009 Compass puts safety at the forefront, and its standard features are varied. The Jeep Compass is priced affordably for buyers on the budget as well.

Inside, consumers can expect leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, CD player with MP3 capabilities, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and power windows and locks. The Compass' CD player allows passengers to sync their MP3 player with the vehicle's audio system. A tire pressure monitoring system is also included, which provides a digital readout in the instrument cluster that continuously supervises each tire's pressure and alerts drivers if a tire has too much or too little pressure. Also featured are remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auxiliary power outlet.

Under the hood, the Jeep Compass is fitted with a 2.4L Dual VVT four-cylinder engine. While it only reaches 172 horsepower, the variable valve timing allows the model to conserve on fuel. With 21 city MPG and 24 highway MPG, the Compass is the most fuel efficient mid-size 4WD SUV on the American market. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but buyers can upgrade to a variable speed automatic if desired. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and 18-inch aluminum wheels are also included on the base model.

Safety features take center stage with the Compass which features an Electronic Stability Program, a Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System, and multi-stage front airbags. The Electronic Stability Program uses the ABS brakes and Traction Control to determine the proper pressure to apply to the brakes and can also control the amount of torque. This specialized program can prevent loss of control and possible rollovers. The security system will immobilize the engine if a break-in is detected.

Overall, the 2009 Jeep Compass is a solid member of the maker's lineup. Though its power is mild, its fuel economy is impressive. Buyers in search of an SUV with safety as its highest priority will find that the 2009 Compass fits the bill. Also, priced at around $17,715, the Compass is one of the most affordable mid-size models on the market.