There's no question the star of the show for Jeep at Detroit 2013 is the 2014 Grand Cherokee, but the Grand wasn't the only Jeep getting an update for the 2014 model year. The Jeep Patriot and Compass fraternal twins get a new six-speed automatic transmission for 2014. But before you start whooping and rejoicing at the dropping of the unloved (by some) CVT, be advised it hasn't completely disappeared.
The CVT is still mandatory equipment with the Freedom Drive II system, which creates an effective low-range in off-road mode by varying the transmission ratios. But for the rest of the lineup, including the front-drive models and the Freedom Drive I models, the six-speed brings a new level of sophistication to Jeep's compacts. The five-speed manual remains standard on the Compass and Patriot Sport models.
The 2.0 and 2.4-liter World Engine four-cylinder engines carry over unchanged for the 2014 model year, producing the same 158 hp/141 lb-ft and 172 hp/165 lb-ft, respectively. The front-drive Compass and Patriot models equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and standard five-speed manual get an EPA highway rating of 30 mpg. Opting for the 2.4-liter engine with the stick still nets a respectable 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Other updates for 2014 include standard front-seat-mounted side airbags on both the Compass and Patriot and an available rearview camera on the Compass.