Recently, Fiat Chrysler revealed a fresh design for its 2017 Jeep Compass model. This SUV’s new design resembles the aerodynamic stance found on Jeep’s Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. Its captivating exterior design is more in line with what buyers want in an SUV. Its muscular lines give it a sportier allure while Jeep’s seven-slot grille in mineral gray or chrome accents set this SUV apart from others on the road. Jeep didn’t sacrifice functionality in the Compass’s design. The roof rails are perfect if you need extra space to store your adventure gear such as a bike, kayak or surfboard. You can carry up to 150 pounds with the roof rails, making it an excellent spot to house bulkier items. Completing the bold, new look are standard halogen fog lamps. These lamps are available in chrome or accent color to give the Compass a sharp design element while aiding you in seeing more of the road.
Interior Design
The 2017 Jeep Compass possesses an inviting interior. The chrome accents on the dashboard, steering wheel, door handle and around the gear shift promote a bold design touch. In addition, the Compass has comfortable seating materials ranging from long-wearing cloth to supple perforated leather, resulting in an SUV that’s as comfortable to sit in as it is to marvel at. Jeep also loaded its Compass model full of convenient amenities. The heated front seats give you the choice of applying high and low setting heating for you and your front passenger on cooler voyages. The six-way power driver seat with lumbar support gives you the flexibility to find the right fit. More importantly, the lumbar supports reduces driver fatigue that can occur on longer trips. Of course when we talk SUVs we must discuss the cargo area—which can be the make or break component for many buyers. The 2017 Jeep Compass possesses 60/40 split-folding rear seats. When folded down, it opens up to 53.6 cubic feet of cargo room, which is ample space to house larger items. At the same time, the average cargo space for comparable models is 61.9 cubic feet, so the 2017 Jeep Compass falls short in this regard.Performance Capabilities
Jeep makes its reputation on its performance capabilities, and the 2017 Jeep Compass is sure to excite in this regard. This model earned the Trail Rated badge, indicating it passed rigorous tests to perform well in off-road conditions including ground, clearance, maneuverability, traction, water fording and articulation. To deliver the best off-road drives, you should upgrade to Jeep’s Freedom Drive II System. This system consists of many performance capabilities such as the ability to sense grades to increase the crawl ratio and selectable locking off-road mode with hill descent control. These systems work to supply you with the greatest handling on the most challenging terrains. Other components in this group include the heavy-duty steel tow hooks. With these you can have confidence you’ll be able to haul items or even pull vehicles out of ditches. Moreover, the skid plates can protect your SUV’s underbody components when you go off-roading. If you live in an area where cooler weather reigns supreme a portion of the year, you’ll love the All-Weather Capability Group. This grouping includes 17-inch aluminum all-terrain tires, tow hooks, daytime running lamps, an engine block heater and all-season floor mats. This all-encompassing package provides all the tools you need to tackle wintry conditions. Last but not least on the performance side is the engine offerings. For the 2017 Jeep Compass, you have your choice between two engines. The 2.0 DOHC 16V Dual VVT I4 engine delivers up to 158-horsepower and tows up to 1,000 pounds. If you require more power, you want to upgrade to the 2.4 DOHC 16V VVT I4 engine with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group system. Combined this allows the Compass to tow up to 2,000 pounds and generate 172-horsepower.Safety
Jeep takes pride in equipping their SUVs with ample safety features. A great representation of this is found in the 2017 Jeep Compass, which comes with more than 30 standard and available safety features. As part of its standard equipment, the Compass possesses electronic stability control, antilock braking and six advanced airbags, including side curtain, multistage front, and front seat-mounted side airbags. As part of its safety offerings, Jeep provides convenience features so you can access information quickly while focusing on driving. The Uconnect voice command with hands-free communication feature allows you to access music, your contacts and more while keeping your eyes on the road. This system also provides available navigation, where you can have voice-guided directions anytime you need them. Jeep offers four different Uconnect systems for its Jeep Compass, giving you ample choices for your entertainment and safety preferences. Furthermore, Jeep equipped the Compass with the tire pressure monitoring system. Not only does this keep real-time readings of each tire’s PSI levels, it notifies you if any tire falls below a regular PSI level. Parking SUVs can be challenging, this is why Jeep offers the available Parkview rear back-up camera on its Compass model. When you shift the Compass into reverse, it activates the rear camera on the touchscreen. You can use this to maneuver into spots while also being watchful for any obstructions or incoming traffic. This feature takes the stress out of parking.Our Take
The sportier design of the 2017 Jeep Compass gives it a bold stance that will capture many people’s attention. An equally enticing incentive is this SUV’s affordability. With a starting price of $19,795, it is $7,190 more affordable than the average compact SUV cost. Furthering its appeal is Jeep’s legendary performance, where the Compass can tackle off-road terrains with ease. The only disadvantages concern power and cargo room, both of which the Compass lacks relative to its counterparts. Those things aside, the 2017 Jeep Compass offers enough captivating features to give it a competitive edge.