Jeep's Most Hated Model Gets Massive Makeover, Instantly Becomes More Lovable
One of the most hated vehicles in Jeep’s otherwise loved lineup has been totally revamped, and the 2017 Jeep Compass has arrived looking like the compact SUV it should have been from the beginning.
Looking like a smaller Grand Cherokee, the new 2017 Jeep Compass finally looks like part of the Jeep family and has the off-road ability to match. The new Compass will be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, slightly higher numbers than the previous model. A six-speed manual can be paired with both front-wheel and four-wheel-drive models, but most drivers will opt for the six-speed or nine-speed automatic. The nine-speed unit is only available on the 4×4 model. Jeep says the Compass should be able to get 30 mpg with the front-wheel-drive model.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Jeep if it couldn’t off-road, and the 2017 Jeep Compass gets a bunch of features to ensure drivers don’t get stuck. Jeep Active Drive Low has a crawl ratio and is able to send 100 percent of the power to whichever wheel has the most traction. Trailhawk models amp things up with hill descent control, a rock crawl mode, a 20:1 crawl ratio, skid plates, aggressive off-road tires, up to 19 inches of water fording, a 2,000-lb towing capacity, and a small lift that helps the crossover get a 30-degree approach angle, 24-degree breakover angle, and a 34-degree departure angle.
ALSO SEE: Full 2016 L.A. Auto Show Coverage
Inside, the Compass gets the pretty standard Jeep treatment with a large touchscreen (three different sizes are available) powered by the excellent UConnect system, big, chunky buttons and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A dual-pane sunroof and power liftgate are also available.
With the 2017 Jeep Compass, the automaker finally has a legitimate competitor in a hot segment. In size, it sits between a Renegade and a Cherokee. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet, and the 2016 L.A. Auto Show marks the crossover’s North American debut.
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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Too bad FCA didn't have the 2.0 Turbo ready for intro of this really nice looking Jeep. That 2.4 Tigershark is too slow in anything heavier than the Renegade...