1. Autoblog
  2. Jeep
  3. Compass
  4. 2017
  5. Latitude 4dr 4x4

Latitude 4dr 4x4
2017 Jeep Compass

The only thing the 2017 Jeep Compass has in common with the model it replaces is its nameplate. And, considering that the old Compass was never competitive in the hotly contested compact crossover segment, that's a very good thing. Even better, after spending a solid day driving the reborn Compass over the rivers, through the woods, and everywhere in between, we're more than happy to forget the ill-conceived first-gen Compass entirely. Put simply, to say that the new Compass is better than the old one is an understatement of Rubicon-size proportions. Whereas the old Compass was saddled with Chrysler's old MK platform (a crossover-spec version of the unloved Dodge Caliber chassis), the 2017 Compass shares its basic underpinnings with the smaller Jeep Renegade, with the main difference being a 2.6-inch wheelbase stretch. That doesn't sound like a lot, but in person the Compass feels much larger than the Renegade, partly because its bodywork bulges out in a more muscular way than its more playfully styled, smaller sibling. "Mini Grand Cherokee" is a phrase that's been bandied about quite a bit, but only because it's true. The most notable styling flourish of the Compass is the D-pillar that's shaped sort of like a shark's dorsal fin. We think it's pretty cool from the outside, but it results in a huge expanse of plastic interior molding with tiny little windows barely able to let in any light. If we were buying a Compass, we'd definitely want the big panoramic sunroof to keep the cabin feeling open and airy. An optional gloss-black-painted roof makes those rear pillars stand out even more. There's a familial resemblance between the Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee inside, due in part to the overall curvature of the dash and the location of the air vents. Directly in front of the driver are two clear gauges, which flank a digital cluster that, depending on trim level, is available in either 3.5-inch or 7.0-inch sizes. The Compass is clean and tidy inside, and while FCA's Uconnect system – available with 7.0- and 8.4-inch center screens – is getting a bit old, it still works well and offers all the infotainment options buyers expect in 2017, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. We're also pleased to see Jeep stick with round dials for radio volume and tuning, and simple switches for climate control settings in the center stack. There's an unexpectedly meaty steering wheel for the driver to grab hold of. The steering system has a good, quick ratio, but also only has a vague desire to return to center, which means it takes a bit more effort and concentration than typical to drive smoothly at speed. The brakes have a powerful initial bite and feel up to the task of hauling the compact crossover down from highway speeds in a hurry. The ride is comfortable and well controlled, likely due in part to the class-exclusive frequency damping struts that normally stay firm but have extra valves that allow them to …
Full Review

The only thing the 2017 Jeep Compass has in common with the model it replaces is its nameplate. And, considering that the old Compass was never competitive in the hotly contested compact crossover segment, that's a very good thing. Even better, after spending a solid day driving the reborn Compass over the rivers, through the woods, and everywhere in between, we're more than happy to forget the ill-conceived first-gen Compass entirely. Put simply, to say that the new Compass is better than the old one is an understatement of Rubicon-size proportions. Whereas the old Compass was saddled with Chrysler's old MK platform (a crossover-spec version of the unloved Dodge Caliber chassis), the 2017 Compass shares its basic underpinnings with the smaller Jeep Renegade, with the main difference being a 2.6-inch wheelbase stretch. That doesn't sound like a lot, but in person the Compass feels much larger than the Renegade, partly because its bodywork bulges out in a more muscular way than its more playfully styled, smaller sibling. "Mini Grand Cherokee" is a phrase that's been bandied about quite a bit, but only because it's true. The most notable styling flourish of the Compass is the D-pillar that's shaped sort of like a shark's dorsal fin. We think it's pretty cool from the outside, but it results in a huge expanse of plastic interior molding with tiny little windows barely able to let in any light. If we were buying a Compass, we'd definitely want the big panoramic sunroof to keep the cabin feeling open and airy. An optional gloss-black-painted roof makes those rear pillars stand out even more. There's a familial resemblance between the Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee inside, due in part to the overall curvature of the dash and the location of the air vents. Directly in front of the driver are two clear gauges, which flank a digital cluster that, depending on trim level, is available in either 3.5-inch or 7.0-inch sizes. The Compass is clean and tidy inside, and while FCA's Uconnect system – available with 7.0- and 8.4-inch center screens – is getting a bit old, it still works well and offers all the infotainment options buyers expect in 2017, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. We're also pleased to see Jeep stick with round dials for radio volume and tuning, and simple switches for climate control settings in the center stack. There's an unexpectedly meaty steering wheel for the driver to grab hold of. The steering system has a good, quick ratio, but also only has a vague desire to return to center, which means it takes a bit more effort and concentration than typical to drive smoothly at speed. The brakes have a powerful initial bite and feel up to the task of hauling the compact crossover down from highway speeds in a hurry. The ride is comfortable and well controlled, likely due in part to the class-exclusive frequency damping struts that normally stay firm but have extra valves that allow them to …
Hide Full Review

Retail Price

$26,340 MSRP / Window Sticker Price

Engine 2.4L I-4
MPG 20 City / 25 Hwy
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd w/OD
Power 172 @ 6000 rpm
Drivetrain four-wheel

Smart Buy Program is powered bypowered by TrueCar®

powered by TrueCar®

Please consider allowing Autoblog.

Hi! We notice you're using an ad blocker. Please consider allowing Autoblog.

We get it. Ads can be annoying. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone. And free is good, right? If you'd be so kind as to allow our site, we promise to keep bringing you great content. Thanks for that. And thanks for reading Autoblog.

Here's how to disable adblocking on our site.

  • Click on the icon for your Adblocker in your browser. A drop down menu will appear.
  • Select the option to run ads for autoblog.com, by clicking either "turn off for this site", "don't run on pages on this domain", "allow this site" or similar. The exact text will differ depending on the actual application you have running.
  • Refresh the Autoblog page you were viewing. Done!

Hey again!

You still haven't turned off your adblocker or allowed our site. It only takes a few seconds.

You must be logged in to perform that action.

  • Login