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CAR REVIEW – 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

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About a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to test drive a Jeep® for the first time. I had heard about the Jeep brand for many years, and witnessed the devotion Jeep owners had. My test drive of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland left me surprised and impressed. So, when I was recently given the opportunity to check out the newly updated 2017 Jeep Compass compact SUV, I was happy to accept.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

I was provided with a week long test drive of the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass featured in this post. This post has not been monetarily compensated. Please note that, as always, any personal opinions reflected in this post are my own.

The newly redsigned 2017 Jeep Compass is a compact SUV with seating for four. Compass designers were seeking a balance of fun, activity, and luxury refinement and were able to achieve that. The sculpted and aerodynamic Compass has some styling and features from its big sister, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 2017 Compass has an athletic profile with a muscular appearance. The vehicle’s wide and aggressive stance has a stylish, modern look. 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.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

The 2017 Jeep Compass is available in four different configurations ranging in price from $20,995 (Sport) to $28,995 (Limited), depending on the market you live in.

  • Sport 4×4 – A distinctive interpretation of authentic Jeep® Brand design coupled with in-demand features defines the All-New 2017 Compass Sport. Standard features include a 2.4L MultiAir® engine, ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera12 and a Uconnect® system with 5-inch touchscreen.
  • Latitude 4×4 – Get enveloped in premium design combined with maximum comfort in the All-New 2017 Compass Latitude. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and first-class seating top off a user-friendly interior that features sculptural elements, sophisticated materials and precise technical details.
  • Limited – Refinement and style fuse to create an intriguing new entry in the Compact SUV segment. The Compass Limited features heated leather-trimmed front seats, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a two-tone black roof, panoramic sunroof and many other enhancements.
  • Trailhawk – The Trailhawk® carries on the Jeep® Brand’s legendary tradition of off-road dominance. With Best-in-Class 4×4 capability9 built-in, the Compass Trailhawk effortlessly combines trailblazing proficiency with on-road performance and comfort.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

The 2017 Jeep Compass is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, delivering over 30 miles per gallon. The advanced technology engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, and features Engine Stop-start (ESS), which was developed in order to increase fuel efficiency. The Tigershark engine is mated to the choice of three transmissions in North America – class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission for 4×4 models, six-speed manual transmission (4×2 and 4×4 models), and Aisin six-speed automatic transmission for 4×2 Compass models. The 2017 Compass is the only compact SUV to offer a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on all Jeep Compass 4×4 models.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

Jeep’s Selec-Terrain mode that enables you to get the best performance possible no matter what type of road conditions you’re in. Located in the center console, the Selec-Terrain knob has four settings – Auto, Snow, Sport and Sand/Mud. The Selec-Terrain feature will optimize the 4×4 system and associated controllers to help provide you with the most suitable ride. The Trailhawk model has a fifth exclusive Rock mode.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

Compass designers strived to maximize the interior space while keeping it stylish and durable. There really aren’t many unused spaces in the vehicle. Seats are always a primary concern when it comes to a vehicle. I am a fairly tall woman and on the heavy side. I found seating in the front to be roomy enough that I didn’t feel crowded as far as headroom, legroom or stomach-room goes. Compass seats are comfortable and have a modern look. Families that share a vehicle will appreciate the memory functions of the driver’s seat and mirrors. Stitching in the doors looks sturdy and gives a cohesive appearance.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

The firm but cushiony padding on the steering wheel was comfortable, it wasn’t sticky or slippery. I really appreciated the heated steering wheel on the colder days, it was very soothing for my hands. The thick  From the driver’s seat you can easily access all buttons and controls with little to no effort. Easy access to certain speed, communication and entertainment can easily be accessed right from the steering wheel.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

 Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

No matter where you are in the vehicle, you can’t miss the driver information display in the center of the dashboard. The full-color 7-inch LED display was very bright and clear. Jeep’s Uconnect system gives drivers access to audio, voice, comfort and navigation right from the color display. I found the Uconnect system to be quick to respond to touch and very user friendly, with no need for any instruction manual. Access to navigation, communication and entertainment right from the touchscreen made it much simpler to focus on driving. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features such as hands-free calling and messaging and voice-guided navigation, making it possible to communicate and get to your destination safely. The Uconnect also featured SiriusXM Radio, Travel Link, Traffic and Guardian Connected Services that provide real-time information. The premium sound system in the Compass included Beats speakers, which gave a nice, full sound.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

The second row of the Jeep Compass is an acceptable size. My youngest, a small 18 year old, fit with a little room to spare. My oldest, a 6 foot tall 22 year old, also fit but didn’t have much extra room to stretch or reposition. I would not say the second row can easily hold three comfortably. I was very pleased to find a heating and air conditioning vent back there, as well as a power port. The center of the 60/40 seat has an arm rest with cup holders built in.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

The power liftgate in the rear of the vehicle makes opening and closing the back door super easy.  Even the cargo floor itself is useful, featuring a 3-position load floor so customers can access the vehicle at different height. There is 27.2 feet cargo space behind the second row. This was enough space for me to fill doing a day’s worth of errands, as well as some holiday shopping. That second row folds down, allowing you to transport larger items or enlarge the rear cargo space to 59.8 feet.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

Consumers can drive the new 2017 Jeep Compass with confidence, knowing it offers 70 available active and passive safety and security features. Available safety features include Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, and electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation. Compass has seven standard airbags. Compass also includes “safety cage” construction with more than 65 percent high-strength steel for maximizing vehicle dynamics and crash performance while optimizing weight efficiency.

Mom Knows It All CAR REVIEW - 2017 Jeep Compass Compact SUV

I enjoyed my week long drive of the newly redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass. The ride is very smooth and quiet, and I didn’t experience any excessive road noise. One thing my lead foot and I did notice was that it takes a few moments to really pick up speed if the ESS has been engaged. Once you’re moving the Compass cruises along nicely. Handling didn’t disappoint at all. The week that I had the Compass we had all sorts of weather ranging from nice to snow, which found me driving in all sorts of conditions including dry, wet, icy and slushy. The Compass never faltered and kept me going until I reached my destinations.

The newly redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass carries a reasonable price and would be a good choice for individuals, couples and young families.

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pat.navymom

Friday 16th of March 2018

Those bay backgrounds capture its beautiful sleek lines.

Susana

Saturday 20th of January 2018

Hi, Valerie.

I really love Jeep!! I can't stress that enough. OMG! I love how elegant it looks. I really like the features of this 2017 jeep compass compact SUV. Just WOW!

pat.navymom

Tuesday 16th of January 2018

Love sedans but family and travel often mean SUV just works better over the road.

Our Family World

Tuesday 16th of January 2018

I love SUVs, cross overs and trucks over sedans and sports cars. This Jeep Compass is a dream vehicle for me. I love the roomy interior, the lush upholstery and of course the safety features. If we would be in the market for a new vehicle, I'd pick this one in an instant.

Toni | Boulder Locavore

Tuesday 16th of January 2018

This looks like a very spacious car! Perfect for the family!