2017 Jeep Compass: A Compact SUV Reimagined
The 2017 Jeep Compass underwent a significant redesign, aiming to blend Jeep's rugged DNA with a more sophisticated and contemporary approach to the compact SUV segment. This generation sought to offer a compelling option for buyers looking for a capable and stylish vehicle for both city commuting and light off-road adventures.
Highlights
- Engine: The 2017 Compass was primarily powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir inline-four engine, producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a good balance of power for its class, providing adequate acceleration for daily driving and highway merging. It was paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed automatic transmission, or a 9-speed automatic transmission (depending on trim level and drivetrain).
- Safety Features: Jeep equipped the 2017 Compass with a robust suite of available safety technologies designed to enhance driver awareness and mitigate potential collisions. Key features included:
- ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera: Provides a visual aid when reversing, displaying the area behind the vehicle to help prevent accidents.
- ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist: Utilizes ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle, alerting the driver with audible warnings and providing visual cues on the display.
- Advanced Front Airbags: Strategically placed airbags designed to protect occupants in the event of a frontal collision.
- Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags: Extend coverage to the front and rear outboard passengers, offering additional protection in side impacts.
- Available Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Path Detection: These systems help alert the driver to vehicles in their blind spots during lane changes and to approaching traffic when reversing out of a parking space.
- Available Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist: This system helps prevent unintended lane drift by issuing an audible alert and, in some cases, providing gentle steering correction.
- Trim Summary: The 2017 Jeep Compass was offered in several well-defined trim levels, each building upon the previous one to offer increasing levels of features and capability:
- Sport: The entry-level trim, providing essential features for daily driving.
- Latitude: Adds a significant step up in comfort and convenience features, often including upgraded interior materials and more amenities.
- Trailhawk: Positioned as the most off-road capable variant, the Trailhawk boasted Jeep's Active Drive Low 4x4 system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhanced suspension, skid plates, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. This trim was designed for those seeking true Jeep Trail Rated capability.
- Limited: This top-tier trim focused on premium comfort and technology, often featuring leather upholstery, advanced infotainment systems, and additional driver-assistance technologies.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Jeep 4x4 Systems: The Compass offered Jeep's renowned 4x4 systems, including the capable Jeep Active Drive I and the more advanced Jeep Active Drive Low on the Trailhawk. These systems provided confidence in various weather conditions and for light off-road excursions.
- Stylish Exterior Design: The 2017 redesign brought a more modern and refined exterior look, aligning it more closely with the larger Grand Cherokee. This included a bolder grille, updated headlights, and a more sculpted body.
- Improved Interior: The interior also received a significant overhaul, with higher-quality materials, a more intuitive layout, and updated technology features, making it a more pleasant place to spend time.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Jeep Compass typically offers a dependable and reasonably comfortable experience for everyday use. The ride quality is generally well-balanced, absorbing most road imperfections without being overly harsh. The cabin is relatively quiet, contributing to a pleasant driving environment.
Maintenance: As with most compact SUVs, routine maintenance will involve oil changes, tire rotations, filter replacements, and brake inspections. The 2.4L Tigershark engine is generally considered reliable, but following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for longevity. Parts and service are widely available through Jeep dealerships and independent mechanics.
Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2017 Jeep Compass will vary based on factors such as your location, driving record, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim and options of the vehicle. Generally, compact SUVs fall into a moderate insurance cost bracket. It's always recommended to get personalized quotes from multiple insurance providers.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Jeep Compass offered a strong package, there are a few potential considerations buyers should be aware of:
- Transmission Performance: While the available 9-speed automatic transmission offered improved fuel economy, some drivers reported instances of hesitation or occasional rough shifts, particularly at lower speeds or during aggressive acceleration. The 6-speed automatic was generally considered smoother.
- Off-Road Capability Limitations: While the Trailhawk model is genuinely capable for its class, the other Compass trims are more suited for light off-roading and inclement weather rather than serious trail exploration. Buyers seeking extreme off-road prowess might need to look at Jeep models with more robust 4x4 systems and higher ground clearance.
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While the infotainment system was a significant upgrade from previous generations, some users found the Uconnect system to be occasionally sluggish or less responsive than competing systems on the market.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Jeep Compass represented a significant leap forward for the model, offering a compelling blend of style, comfort, and capability within the competitive compact SUV segment. Its redesigned exterior and interior provided a more premium feel, and the availability of Jeep's well-regarded 4x4 systems, especially on the Trailhawk, gave it an edge for those with adventurous inclinations. While some minor transmission quirks and infotainment system responsiveness might be noted, the 2017 Compass generally provided a solid and well-rounded ownership experience for those seeking a versatile and stylish compact SUV.
