For FCA, the Jeep is a crucial brand with thousands of loyal fans who continue to rack up sales year after year. For the 75 years that it has been in existence, the Jeep has commanded itself a loyal following that is not about to change allegiance anytime soon.
Perhaps it is the need to keep this loyal fan base happy that the Jeep has taken to evolve their line-up from time to time, and always coming up with features that are practical and usable. Take for instance the new small SUV, the Compass. The Compass is somewhat between the Renegade and the Cherokee, with some bit of inspiration getting drawn from the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee. The 2017 Compass is on sale in four continents and 100 countries. Seeing that it falls in the compact SUV category which contains the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage, you can expect plenty of competition. And yet, there is no denying the fact that the Compass is already popular and growing.
2017 Jeep Compass
The 2017 Jeep Compass comes with distinct styling strokes that are very representative of the Jeep line. The orientation of the design can be described as classic and refined, although there are some sporty and rugged elements that are visible in the Trailhawk version.
The Compass has some interesting details, such as chrome band that frames the rear window and the bottom of the roof, adding a touch of sophistication and high-end appeal. This is available in the Limited Edition of the Compass. In terms of off-road capabilities, the Compass boasts of elevated suspension and increased clearance, allowing you to go on adventures without worrying about getting stuck.
Interior Design
It is clear that a lot of attention was paid to the design of the interior of the Compass, with choice finishing of white, sand or green-brown which allows some degree of personalization. The dashboard is eye-catching and pleasing to the eye and finishes off with much more elegance than previous versions. Another great feature that Jeep lovers will like about the Compass is the fourth-generation UConnect system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with display screens of 7 inches or 8.4 inches depending on preference.
Performance
The Jeep Compass retains the 2.4L, 4-cylinder Tigershark MultiAir engine that produces 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is offered in the Sport and North base models, along with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, these are not even the drivers of the Compass’ popularity. In terms of popularity, the Compass’ available 6-speed automatic and 9-speed automatic gearbox take the prize.
The Jeep Compass has proven itself to be a stable and well-calibrated partner on the road, especially when it comes to steering and braking. The only downside to this machine is the engine. With all the great features of the Compass, the engine records a rather upsetting low: it lacks power on the high-rev end, and you will be hitting the upper ceiling rather quickly while on the highway. The noise level produced is also a bit on the higher side.