| |
2017 Jeep Compass X
|
MSRP  |
$25,390
|
| Invoice |
$24,953
|
| Target |
|
| |
|
Vehicle Highlights
- Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 31 mpg Hwy
- Engine: 2.4 L Regular Unleaded I-4, 180 HP
- Transmission: Automatic
- Drive Train: Front Wheel Drive
- Passengers: 5
- Doors: 4
View More Features and Specifications
What You Will Like
The Jeep Compass is one of the lowest-priced off-road utility vehicles on the market. With fresh new styling reminiscent of the upscale Cherokee, it's also a standout design in a crowded segment. Ease of parking and maneuverability remain strengths for the model, and it's also reasonably fuel-efficient at an EPA-estimated 30 mpg. When properly equipped, the Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds. And its off-road prowess is rooted in Jeep's legacy of go-anywhere, do-anything capability, particularly in the Trailhawk variant.
Compare the 2017 Jeep Compass X against similar models
What's New For 2017
The Jeep Compass has been completely redesigned for 2017. It now shares its exterior styling with the larger Cherokee, including the clamshell hood, dramatic roofline and sculpted fenders and shoulders. Power comes from Jeep's proven 2.4L Tigershark 4-cylinder, which now makes 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, figures that are up 8 hp and 10 lb-ft, respectively. With stop-start technology, it can return up to 30 mpg on the highway. The new Compass is offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 models, and transmissions include 6-speed manual and automatic choices as well as a class-exclusive 9-speed automatic.
Warranty
- Basic Warranty: 3 Years / 36,000 Miles
- Drivetrain Warranty: 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
- Roadside Assistance: 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
A vehicle's warranty can significant impact your maintenance costs after you drive off the dealer's lot, and it's important to understand the different parts. Typically, a new car warranty includes a Basic warranty, which covers everything except the wear items such as brakes and tires; and a Drivetrain warranty, that covers all the parts that make the car move, such as the engine and transmission
NHTSA Crash Test Rating
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Side Driver:
- Side Passenger:
- Rollover Rating:
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) provides consumers with vehicle safety information based on independent testing, primarily front and side crash rating results, and more recently rollover ratings, to aid consumers in their vehicle purchase decisions.
Introduction
The Jeep Compass crossover was introduced a decade ago. An all-new Compass is being introduced as a 2017, while the old Compass continues to be sold down as a 2017 model. Confusing? Yes. This review covers the old Compass.
This is a dated product, essentially the same as the 2016 model, and it lags behind the Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota RAV4.
The base engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, makes the same 158 horsepower that it did 10 years ago, although it’s smoother than it was back then. The upgrade engine is a 2.4 liter that makes 172 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic optional (more commonly equipped in showrooms), with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A CVT is available, but we suggest you avoid it, as it’s among the worst of the continuously variable transmissions that make the drivetrain feel like it’s powered through a rubber band.
As for offroad, what Jeep is known for, there is a package called Freedom Drive II with skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires, but it only comes with the CVT. The CVT is programmed to simulate the low range of a two-speed transfer case. But if offroad is your thing, stick to a Wrangler, or possibly the Compass’s supposedly less pretty sister, the Patriot. Or another idea, get the Compass with the 5-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. It will get you anywhere the Freedom Drive II will (hill start assist is standard). If wanted, you can always add the tires, skid plates, and even a modest lift kit.
Another thing that goes against the Compass is its three-star crash rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS hasn’t rated it. No collision avoidance technology is available. A rearview camera isn’t even available. Yet it’s intended for women?
Fuel mileage with the 5-speed and front-wheel drive is 23/30 miles per gallon City/Highway, or 25 mpg Combined, according to EPA estimates. The more common 2.4-liter with 6-speed automatic is rated 21/27/23 mpg City/Highway/Combined (22 mpg Combined with all-wheel drive). The Freedom Drive II gets 21 mpg Combined, bringing it down to lame numbers for a four-cylinder engine.
Lineup
Jeep Compass Sport ($19,795) includes fabric upholstery, air conditioning, Bluetooth with audio streaming, satellite radio, manually operated windows and door locks. All-wheel drive is available ($21,795).
Compass Sport SE ($22,185) adds heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Compass 75th Anniversary Edition ($25,665) adds a power sunroof and appearance bits.
Compass Latitude ($24,340) adds power windows and door locks, automatic climate control, navigation, and a Boston Acoustics Radio. Compass High Altitude ($25,645) adds leather seats and more appearance bits.
All-wheels drive is available for all models. (Prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.)
Walkaround
Although the styling is influenced by Cherokee, it’s still a bit trapezoidal with rounded edges, a design that looks confused.
Interior
The dashboard isn’t as blocky as it used to be, and there are some soft-touch materials on the door panels, but the cabin doesn’t feel of very high quality even with leather upholstery. It’s not up to the speed of rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, or Volkswagen Tiguan. The interior doesn’t match that of the smaller Jeep Renegade, a newer design.
Some of what makes the Compass feel dated is the low seating position; other SUVs seat the driver higher, for a better view of the road. However, a height-adjustable driver seat is available. The front seats are comfortable enough, but the rear bench is hard and flat, and the middle passenger’s knees will be battling with those of the luckier rear window passengers. There’s also a cupholder in the way of that middle passenger.
The laminated windshield glass helps subdue the noisy engine, but we can’t say much more for refinement.
Driving Impressions
The 5-speed manual transmission is fine, and brings the best fuel mileage. But the 6-speed automatic delivers surprising refinement, so it’s the way to go. Forget the CVT, as it forces the unrefined engine to run at high rpm in too many driving situations.
Summary
The outgoing Jeep Compass is primarily a price proposition. Neither its powertrain nor cabin are as good as its rivals. The all-new model may improve on that score.
Sam Moses contributed to this report.