The Jeep Compass is back for 2017 and has been fully redesigned with more appeal to those who might have passed on it in 2016. Capable of light off-roading in city or highway driving, the Compass is a great smaller SUV for drivers who want something a bit more rugged in the compact crossover segment. Read on to see the many ways the Compass has improved.
New Infotainment and Safety Tech
The Compass, like all 2017 Jeep models, now uses a Uconnect 5-inch touch-screen infotainment system with the option to add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto phone app syncing or upgrade to an 8 1/2-inch screen with features like navigation. A collection of new driver safety systems were also added, and base Jeep Compass models now come with hill-start assist, a ParkView rear back-up camera, tire-pressure monitoring, trailer sway damping, and returning features like all-speed traction control.
Improved Driving Quality
While the 2016 Compass has a generally pleasant riding feel, it comes back smoother in 2017. The chassis is stronger and absorbs more energy from old roads and small bumps, while the suspension was revised to take on hard turns or curves with less sway. If you’d like to use your Compass for long road trips while kids sleep in the back, the 2017 model has the grace to keep them resting.
Stronger Engine
In 2016, the Compass started with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque, and drivers who wanted more oomph could select the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine instead with 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The 2017 model has only one engine, but its 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque makes it stronger than the optional upgrade from 2016. Drivers have a choice between a six-speed stick shift or a nine-speed automatic shifter.
Totally New Cabin
The Compass’s new design uses high-quality materials and makes it look like the Cherokee’s little brother. In more pragmatic ways, it’s still the same middle model between the Cherokee and Renegade, with 27 cubic feet of cargo space. Leg room and head room are both excellent, the driver’s controls are easily accessible, and the doorways were squared off for higher head clearance when entering or exiting.
Trailhawk Trim Level
The Trailhawk is a special trim level added to most of the 2017 Jeep lineup. Getting a Trailhawk model customizes it with a more outdoorsy appearance and various off-roading customizations. Consider the Trailhawk model if you love the comfort features of the Compass and want to conquer trails without choosing a larger, more expensive model or the more spartan and simplified Wrangler.
Updated halfway through its production cycle, the 2017 Compass is more competitive than ever, and a solid choice if you like its split of comfort, security, and capability. If you have questions about the trim levels, options, or standard features of the 2017 Compass or other models, contact us anytime.
Photo via Jeep.com