Flash Drive

2017 Jeep Compass

August 17, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4×4

The 2017 Jeep® Compass is as rugged and capable as any compact SUV on the market, especially when the Trailhawk trim level is selected.

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 180 horsepower 175 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city/30-mpg highway/25-mpg combined

Base Price: $28,595

As Tested: $33,565

Performance:

Very pleasant highway ride

The 2017 Jeep® Compass is also a great urban vehicle–easy to park and great fuel economy.

Smooth engine

Transmission has to downshift frequently for steep hills

Console dial for auto, snow, sand, mud, and rock modes

Push buttons for 4WD low, 4WD lock, and hill descent

Highly competent off-road

Skid plates

Auto stop/start fuel economy feature

Good fuel economy; our best was 28.7 mpg highway

Trailer sway damping feature

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver legroom

Stretch-out passenger legroom, but some wheelwell intrusion

The 2017 Jeep® Compass interior is spacious and well-appointed.

Comfy supportive seats

Very good driver power lumbar support

Two temperatures heated front seats

Front passenger seat height pump

Firm, but comfy rear seat

Good rear seat room if fronts up slightly

Adults can sit in middle position

Wide, soft rear armrest

Low floor hump

Great headroom

Extra thick, contoured heated leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Oversized, sliding sun visors

Tall, soft headrests

Good quality interior materials

The 2017 Jeep® Compass cargo space and utility factor are excellent.

Utility:

Power liftgate with ample clearance

Flat cargo floor; no lift-over

Split, folding rear seats with slight incline

Three sturdy tow hooks

Lots of HVAC options on touch screen

Medium size front door bins

Small rear door bins with bottle notches

Big non-locking glovebox

Small console bin with padded, sliding armrest

Four grab handles

Two spacious seatback pouches

WOW Factors:

Rugged, but sophisticated 4×4 capabilities

The all-new 2017 Jeep® Compass rear 3/4 view isn’t quite as traditionally Jeep as the front view, but it’s functional.

Worthy of the Jeep name

Strong fuel economy

Comfortable, roomy interior

Whines:

Heated steering wheel controls are on touch screen

Dim lights in cargo area

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass went from an also-ran in the compact SUV category to a top contender in our opinion. It’s a comfortable on-road daily driver and a super competent off-road warrior (especially in Trailhawk guise) truly worthy to the legendary Jeep name.