By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA US
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass expands the brand’s global reach with an unmatched combination of attributes that includes 4×4 off-road capability, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, premium and authentic Jeep design, superior on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.
Exterior Design
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass exterior design is expressive and emotional with a wide stance and exceptional glass-to-wheel proportions. The all-new compact SUV is immediately recognizable as a Jeep with its distinctive traditional Jeep design cues. Jeep designers gave the legendary seven-slot grille a fresh look by setting each of the individual chrome slots in a Gloss Black field.
Headlamp bezels, featuring a black outline, add personality and attitude to the front. The forward turn signal and daytime running lamps are independent of the headlamp, ensuring functionally uncomplicated forward lighting elements.
A fast, dramatic roofline and muscular fenders and shoulders create a stunning profile. The available Gloss Black painted roof adds a unique, premium appearance in the compact SUV segment. An available dual-pane sunroof connects Jeep drivers and passengers to the outdoors and open-air freedom.
The standout feature of the rear of the Compass is its unique LED tail lamps. Slim and rectangular, the tail lamps flow into the liftgate for a commanding yet premium appearance. The tail lamps emit a signature light graphic and will be instantly recognizable as a Jeep Compass on the road or trail.
For added consumer convenience, the 2017 Jeep Compass features a power liftgate helping ease cargo storage; A 3-inch integrated rear spoiler at the top of the liftgate, rounded back glass and sculpted D-pillar all contribute to the outstanding aerodynamics, another feature is the rear wiper which is glass-mounted for a premium touch.
Interior design
The interior design showcases a premium interior highlighted by sculptural surface elements and precise technical detail; The trapezoidal center stack bezel is a characteristic Jeep design cue and sports a color and finish that complements the interior choice. The center stack houses the 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreen media center. The center console neatly integrates the functional features of the Jeep Compass, including gear shift selection, Selec-Terrain controls, electronic parking break, engine stop start controls, climate and volume control knobs, and easily accessible media charging and connectivity ports within the cubby bin.
The driver’s cockpit is thoughtfully designed and features a 3.5- or 7-inch LED driver information display instrument cluster. The available full-color 7-inch DID displays information that the driver may configure for easier access while driving. The Jeep steering wheel with integrated audio, voice and speed controls enables drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and attention focused on the road ahead.
Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin. Inboard and outboard HVAC vents are surrounded by a discreet chrome inlay bezel for a precise, refined appearance with full functionality. The contoured seats are comfortable and feature contrasting thread colors in the stitching. The driver and front passenger vinyl-wrapped door trim panels are soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye with contrast stitching that matches the seats. The Jeep Compass features a soft-touch, cut-and-sewn center armrest which also incorporates the contrast stitching found on the seats and door trim panels.
The Compass features clever and thoughtfully designed storage solutions, including a stylish mesh side pocket in the front passenger foot-well that can hold a notebook or tablet device, and an inventive multi-level rear cargo floor; Numerous consumer-friendly features include the available heated seats and heated steering wheel, 7-inch full-color LED instrument cluster display with customizable information, 8.4-inch Uconnect media center, SiriusXM Radio, SiriusXM real-time traffic and weather, and Uconnect Services with Bluetooth streaming and other apps.
Capability
For 2017 the all-new Jeep Compass offers a choice of two innovative driveline systems for best-in-class 4×4 capability in all weather conditions. Its unique rear-axle electronic disconnect system delivers 4×2 levels of fuel-efficiency but instantly engages the 4×4 system without any driver interaction when traction is needed. Both systems automatically and seamlessly switch between 4×2 and 4×4 for full-time torque management and optimal traction when required.
Jeep Active Drive: Enabled by an innovative power-transfer unit, Jeep Active Drive is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive, and at any speed. This system requires no driver intervention, delivers yaw correction during dynamic events and improves both understeer and oversteer conditions. Jeep Active Drive can provide up to 1,475 lb.-ft. of the engine’s available torque to the rear wheels, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions. A fully variable wet clutch housed in the rear-drive module utilizes the Jeep brand’s proprietary algorithms to provide the proper amount of torque for any driving condition, including low-traction surfaces, aggressive starts and dynamic driving.
Jeep Active Drive Low: Providing off-road capability, Jeep Active Drive Low builds on the Jeep Active Drive system and affords a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range for 4×4 Trail Rated capability, including the exclusive five-mode Jeep Selec-Terrain system for off-road performance and Selec-Speed Control with Hill-descent Control.
Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low feature the brand’s Selec-Terrain traction-control system. Selec-Terrain allows the driver to dial in the desired on or off-road setting for optimum performance; Up to five customized settings are offered: Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud modes and Rock.
Selec-Terrain is designed to optimize the four-wheel-drive systems for unsurpassed control and capability. SelecTerrain electronically coordinates and optimizes up to 12 systems on any terrain providing enhanced vehicle control, including: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, electronic stability control, transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control.
Engine and Transmission
The 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 Efficiency and refinement also are hallmarks of the FCA 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine with the MultiAir2 electro-hydraulic, fully variable valve-actuation system. The advanced technology engine produces 180 horsepower, 175 lb.-ft. of torque. MultiAir technology, which is exclusive to FCA US in the North American market, uses a column of oil in place of the traditional mechanical link between the camshaft and intake valves. The resulting precision maximizes intake manifold pressure, significantly reducing pumping losses.
MultiAir2 takes the innovation further by simultaneously controlling both valve opening and closing events to more effectively manage combustion quality. This ensures the appropriate, effective compression ratio and efficient internal exhaust-gas recirculation for improved fuel economy.
The Jeep Compass is the only compact SUV to offer a nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling the vehicle to optimize engine output and enable aggressive launches and smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds. The nine-speed transmission is standard on all Jeep Compass 4×4 models.
The nine-speed transmission provides a more responsive driving experience with quicker acceleration and smoother shifting. The wide ratio spread delivers an aggressive first gear ratio of 4.71 for low-end performance and small gear ratio steps, which provide smooth transitions for gear-to-gear while offering a unique set of four overdrive ratios to benefit highway fuel economy and reduce overall NVH levels.
Gear changes are nearly imperceptible due to the evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio. Internally the transmission has four gear sets and six shift elements multi-disc clutches, dog clutches and brake clutches. Reduced drag losses with three of six clutches open in any gear equates to improved fuel efficiency.
Summary
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass is a fresh, premium and authentic Jeep design that will appeal to consumers, with an unmatched list of attributes that includes benchmark 4×4 off-road capability, exceptional on-road driving dynamics, countless advanced technology and safety features, all wrapped in a premium, authentic Jeep design.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $28,995.00, the one I drove included the Customer Preferred Package 2XG (Advance Safety and Lighting Group, Advance Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, LED Tail Lamps, Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps with LED Signature and Automatic High Beam Headlight Control) $895.00, Safety and Security Group (ParkSense/Rear Park Assist System, Blind Spot/Cross Path Detection and Rain Sensitive Intermittent Windshield Wipers) $745.00, Navigation Group (GPS Navigation, Uconnect 8.4 Nav and 1 Year SiriusXM Guardian Service) $895.00, Power Liftgate $495.00, Beats Premium Audio System $695.00, Compact Spare Tire $245.00 and 19 x 7.5 Inches Polished Black Pocket Aluminum Wheels with 235/45R19 BSW All Season Tires $895.00, and it came in at $34,955.00 including destination charge $1,095.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 22 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
