http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle ... 10590.html
"If the price of gas stays as high as it is, fuel economy may be right near the top of the priority list for many considering the Compass. Whichever transmission you opt for, it's right on par with, if not better than, the compact-SUV competition. With 4WD, the Compass gets 25 city, 29 highway with the five-speed and 23/26 with the CVT. According to the trip computer, we saw about 24 on a steady-speed highway stretch with the CVT.".
23/26 with the CVT autotrans? NOT impressive. Especially when you consider that the CRDs will easily match or beat the EPA highway figure (indeed, the CRDs are rated at the same mileage).
Plus, there's the whole offroad capability thing too, along with the 5000 pound tow rating
I may get flamed for saying this, but Subaru and Toyota make far better AWD crossover wagons than the Jeep Compass.