Jeep Latitude vs. Altitude

1. Introduction

The objective of this essay is to produce an easier way to understand and visualize what significantly differentiates each Jeep from one another. To do this, we will be comparing and contrasting the 2019 Jeep Compass Latitude and the 2019 Jeep Compass Altitude. In terms of different features, dependability, and performance, each vehicle may be superior in its own category. Although they relate in many ways, being that they are the same models from the same manufacturer, they also have their different attributes that set them apart from one another. We will discover the differences between the two and come to a realization as to which may be the better vehicle to consider investing in. In the end, I will give my final opinion as to which Jeep model is most efficient and most reliable for long-term use. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

2. Features and Specifications

Regardless of model, both feature the Jeep standard 3.6-liter V-6, 5-speed automatic transmission, and are offered in two different 4x4 systems. The Jeep Quadra Trac I System is a light-duty single-speed active transfer case and can be found on either vehicle. Step up the 4x4 system and it will be matched with the Jeep Quadra Trac II System, featuring a two-speed active transfer case which was built specifically for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and comes with a low range, which is always good to have when off-road.

Since the SUVs are offered at several different price brackets and have more features compared to the standard Wrangler option, it is no doubt these two have more differences beyond altitude and name. Features including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, front and rear park assist, a rear backup camera, a 9-speaker stereo system, and a plethora of other convenience features from the Latitude model will give Jeep customers a different experience for Jeep's lowest priced Grand Cherokee starting at $26,995 (2011) as shown on the Jeep home page. The Altitude model for the Grand Cherokee, while still lower in price compared to all the other higher-end, top-of-the-line packages, still starts at $35,290 (2012), which is a $3700 price increase when compared to the Laredo X model. The Altitude model is based on the Laredo and now features everything from the Laredo X package, and in addition, cloth/vinyl low bucket seats, a power 8-way driver seat, Sirius satellite radio, and the Uconnect hands-free system during its inaugural 2012 year (various brochures).

2.1. Jeep Latitude

Sorento yellow, Howler. Not many Renegades come off-road, so this should be quick and easy to get data if the customer is at all interested.

- Safety and Security pack - Dual pane panoramic sunroof

In addition to this, the customer can choose to option up with the following packs to enhance their Latitude experience:

- 9-speed automatic transmission - Jeep Selec-Terrain system - Rear camera - 4 navigation with 5 Uconnect® - Passive entry - 18" alloy wheels - Roof rails - Dual zone climate control - Auto headlamps and wipers

Jeep Latitude version is a specially configured edition. The base vehicle is the 4-wheel drive Renegade, combined with a 2.4 litre Tigershark® MultiAir motor. It was available in September 2017 and comes loaded with options. This Jeep includes around $2,900 extra value (over a standard similar specification Jeep), including:

2.2. Jeep Altitude

Jeep Altitude has a similar design to Latitude, offering a few more additional features. These include eighteen-inch wheels and the option to upgrade to a sunroof. The interior design offers black leather seats with black gloss accents, alongside remote start and a security system. This model is essentially a Latitude with a more 'edgy' look, offering additional features to modernize the car even more. Features that are available on the Latitude but not available on the Trailhawk, Limited, or Altitude include a rear light and the option of a folding front passenger seat. The driver information display is a full-color seven-inch display that provides information on fuel economy, trip information, tire pressure, audio, messages, and personal settings. It is designed to be more attractive and easy to read. The two final features are a heated steering wheel and a My Sky Removable/Rechargeable Lamp.

3. Performance Comparison

Jeep Latitude and Altitude come with the same engine and are available in both the 4x2 and 4x4 drive systems. Latitude models offer a 2.0L DOHC 16V Dual VVT 158 hp 4-cylinder engine and an available 2.4L DOHC 16V Dual VVT 172 hp 4-cylinder engine. Along with being built to handle the elements, the 4x4 models of Jeep Latitude are fitted with tow hooks and are Trail Rated. This verifies that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability, Articulation, and Water Fording. Although Trail Rating is a term not often heard when referring to off-road vehicles, it is something Jeep stands by and is not afraid to get a little mud on the tires to test out. Latitude, however, offers the Freedom Drive I with the option of a continuously variable transaxle (CVT2) for the 2.4L engine, or a 6-speed automatic transaxle and Off-road crawl mode for the 2.0L engine. The Jeep Altitude 2011 takes everything good about the Compass and enhances it by combining upscale interior and exterior features with fuel economy of up to 8.9L per 100km. Altitude is only available in 4x2 with the 2.0L engine, which is said to be matching the fuel-efficient spirit of this model. It is easy to say that for the off-road enthusiast, Latitude with the 2.4L engine and 4x4 is the way to go, but Altitude offers a smarter choice. In order to make a true comparison between the two models, a series of performance-based tests were carried out. These tests verified engine power, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability, with the results showing true differences as well as some similarities between Latitude and Altitude. [7][8][1][9][10][11][12]

3.1. Engine Power

The 2015 Jeep Latitude comes with a 2.4L I4, Zero Evap M-Air engine. Its four-cylinder engine puts out 175 horsepower when paired with the 6-speed transmission. The Latitude can get more power by upgrading to the 3.2L V6 24-Valve VVT engine. This engine can get 271 horsepower when paired with a 9-speed transmission. On the other hand, the 2015 Jeep Altitude only comes with a 2.4L I4, Zero Evap M-Air engine. There is no option to upgrade to the V6 engine. The Latitude, by having a V6 option, can get up to 2,000 pounds of towing capability. This is better than the Altitude, seeing that it has less power and torque and can only tow up to 1,000 pounds. Jeep Latitude at Ed Voyles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. With the V6 capability, Latitude can get up to 2,000 pounds of towing. Jeep Altitude at Ed Voyles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Altitude can only get up to 1,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped. This is better than the Latitude with V6. 3.2. Fuel Efficiency Both the 2015 Jeep Latitude and Jeep Altitude have the exact same fuel efficiency due to sharing the same powertrain. Both get 22 city and 31 highway MPG. With these numbers being the same, there is no clear advantage of getting one vehicle over the other just on mileage.

3.2. Fuel Efficiency

The final key point of comparison of the Latitude and the Altitude is fuel efficiency. Both come standard with the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir 2 Inline 4-cylinder engine, which is a rather efficient engine for a midsize SUV. The Latitude is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Altitude gains a slight advantage at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Both vehicles are also available with the 3.2L Pentastar VVT V6 engine, an upgrade of $1,745 to the standard Inline 4-cylinder. An automatic upgrade in 4WD fuel efficiency and off-road capability makes the upgrade worthwhile for the V6 engine. The V6 engine on the Latitude is rated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway; the Altitude is rated at a slightly better 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. At the cost of fuel efficiency of the V6, the upgrade adds a significant push in the midsize SUV class in Jeep's 9-speed automatic transmission for when fuel prices are irrelevant. A $1,500 upgrade to the V6 on the Latitude gains access to the High Altitude, which is the highest trim of the Altitude package.

3.3. Off-Road Capability

Latitude offers a decent amount of off-road potential. As previously stated, the trail rated status of the vehicle immediately means that some standards have been met. Latitude comes with an automatic 4x4 system which can perform normally on any given road service, giving power to the front wheels and can automatically add or remove power to the rear wheels as needed. There is also a crawl mode which allows the driver to select a certain speed from 1-5 mph without having to touch the gas pedal. This is useful in off-road situations where control is vital. On top of that, there is also hill descent control which is useful for managing descents in rough terrain. This has been said to be very useful for taking the vehicle to the ski hill as well. Finally, the Latitude has a full-size spare tire. This may seem irrelevant, but when taking a vehicle off-road and deep into the woods, a flat tire is a real possibility and can be very troublesome if there is only a doughnut tire available. A full-sized spare gives peace of mind for such an event. [13]

If you’re looking for a vehicle that is capable of going off-road or even just something that has the look of off-road capability, then this information is for you. Both the Latitude and the Altitude are trail rated vehicles, meaning that they have been independently tested and passed standards for off-road traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. Even though these vehicles are trail rated, there are some stark differences between the two in off-road capability.

4. Price and Value

If you bought a brand new Jeep and want to trade-off with another brand new Jeep, Jeep gives good support by providing the trade-in value of the bought Jeep to a new Jeep for the same priced trim, something unavailable in various other car brands. So basically, the higher price does do justice once all the features and the decent trade-in support are considered.

Finally, the resale value is an important aspect of how much the car costs in the long run. Altitude being the latest edition to the Jeep line, its value would be more as it would take time for the newer edition Jeep Altitude to enter the used car market. Latitude too carries a decent value due to its stylish looks and because it is 4-wheel drive. But if we were to compare with both cars in the used market, Altitude would be higher due to the more features and style provided at a decent price.

Jeep Latitude is priced at $20,595 when compared to the Altitude, which is on the higher end of the pricing scale at $26,155. Jeep Altitude does seem to cost a little more now, but in the long run, the value provided makes up for the price as it gives more features provided in the same price if we were to compare it with the 2011 Jeep Compass.

4.1. Pricing Comparison

Additional value variations for a similar equipment bundle are typically defined through latitude coupons and factory incentives that are not always available across the board, and are complex to test in retrospective pricing comparisons. Step-up versions of alternative programs can add to pricing confusion, but typically the Altitude types may have superior equipment as standard compared to Latitude types, and basic pricing for each model is found on the build and rate features of Jeep.com. Online comparison of local inventory between Latitude and Altitude models is an invaluable tool for buyers to examine actual world pricing differences.

Prices of both models can range for numerous reasons. One of the most important being the Altitude's step-up to key options packages. For example, a Latitude can also be ordered with the popular machine options team, which provides power and efficiency instruments, air conditioning, keyless entry, a far off opening liftgate, vigor heated seats, the Uconnect hands-free verbal exchange system, Bluetooth voice command, SiriusXM radio, and an auto-dimming rearview replicate with microphone, all for around $1,700. Unfortunately, a Latitude equipped with a manual transmission has to upgrade to the vigor Air workforce, and automatic-only choice, to acquire these features. This can be an additional $800-$1,000 depending on the dealer. So, the Latitude can be priced at around $24,195 or $25,195.

MSRP for the Jeep Latitude, the company's base model of Compass, is $21,695. The Altitude has a beginning cost of $23,295. This makes an initial value distinction of $1,600 in favor of the Latitude.

4.2. Resale Value

Previous considerations took into account the different equipment levels of the Altitude and Latitude. 4x4s hold their value better than 2WD versions, and this appears to be particularly true of the Jeep Compass. Resale prediction after 3 years for a 2WD Latitude is 52% and a 4x4 is 54%. Resale value for a 3-year-old Latitude is predicted to be 55% for a 2WD and 56% for a 4x4. This is compared to Altitude at 53% for a 2WD and 56% for a 4x4. Resale value for a 3-year-old Altitude is predicted to be 56% for a 2WD and 58% for a 4x4. The spread of resale values is quite narrow between the two trim levels and closer to the typical spread of around 3-4% for the different equipment levels of the same model. These figures suggest that the relative resale value of the Altitude compared to the Latitude is relatively higher. Another interesting set of data is the relative residual value of a Jeep Compass compared to the average for the small SUV class. The Altitude has the highest relative residual value of any version of the Compass; 2-3% better than the average small SUV's residual value. This would suggest that the Altitude is a better than average small SUV from a value retention point of view. In contrast to this, the Latitude compares to the average small SUV with a marginal drop in residual value of 1-2%. The only other version of the Compass with a better than average residual value is the Latitude 4x4. This higher residual value for 4x4 versions compared to 2WD versions would largely be reflective of the fact that 4x4 Compasses are relatively cheap compared to other new 4x4 small SUVs and hold their value well. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]

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