2017 Jeep Compass
Pros
- Solid interior space for such a small vehicle
- Highly capable off-road for a small crossover
- Rugged Jeep styling is unique in the segment
Cons
- Weak power delivery
- you're always dipping into the throttle
- Hard to find a truly comfortable seat position
- Previous model's poor performance, ride comfort and refinement
2017 Jeep Compass pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Compass does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
The redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass is much improved over its predecessor. It's a good choice if you want a comfortable and affordable crossover SUV that can still handle a dirt road. Worth noting, the previous version of the Compass will also be sold as a 2017 model alongside the new version for a short time.
That's right — there are two Jeep Compass models for 2017. Jeep produced its previous-generation model for the first part of the model year and then switched over to the fully redesigned Compass. The first one suffers from poor performance, a low-quality interior and a rough ride, among other faults. We don't recommend buying the "old" Compass.
The new Jeep Compass, however, is a much more competitive small crossover. Jeep made the new Compass more comfortable and enjoyable to drive on the street, where it knows that owners will spend most of their time.
You'll like the Compass' easy-to-operate Uconnect infotainment system and the 27 cubic feet of rear cargo space. Fold down the 60/40-split rear seats and there's almost 60 cubic feet of space; plus, the legroom in back is sufficient for tall passengers. Spacewise, the Compass splits the difference between Jeep's smaller Renegade and larger Cherokee. Of course, it's still a Jeep. Most owners will never need the enhanced off-roading hardware available on the Trailhawk model, but it's nice to know it's there if you want to get into a muddy campsite or have to get out of a snowed-in parking lot.
Though the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is still a bit underwhelming in the new Compass, the overall driving experience is much improved. If you're looking for a comfortable and affordable crossover SUV that can also get you out and into nature, the new Compass works well.
2017 Jeep Compass configurations
For the redesigned 2017 Compass, there are four trim levels. All come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 175 pound-feet of torque). Starting things out is the Sport trim. Equipped with cloth seats and 16-inch wheels, it's one of the more affordable compact crossover SUVs. The Latitude model adds larger 17-inch wheels, upgraded seating surfaces and access to some important driver assist systems. The Limited version is only available with all-wheel drive and adds more convenience- and luxury-oriented features. The Trailhawk is the trail-rated Compass and has unique features that optimize its off-road capabilities.
Although it's the entry-level trim, the Compass Sport can be equipped with the widest variety of drivetrains. It comes standard in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available. The six-speed manual is standard in all-wheel-drive versions as well, but the optional automatic is a nine-speed. Standard equipment highlights include the smaller Uconnect system (with 5-inch touchscreen display), Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system.
Compared to the Sport, the Compass Latitude has larger wheels, upgraded cloth and simulated leather seat upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and more choices for option packages. The packages span the gamut from a tow package, advanced driver safety aids and a Cold Weather package. The Latitude keeps the same 5-inch Uconnect system and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, just like the Sport. There is no manual-transmission FWD option, though.
The Compass Limited is the most comprehensively equipped. Standout features include 18-inch wheels, upgraded exterior trim, a 8.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration), automatic dual-zone climate control, an upgraded driver information display, a power driver seat, heated front seats and leather upholstery. Unlike the Sport and Latitude, the Limited is only available with AWD and a nine-speed automatic.
Though the Trailhawk sits below the Limited in price, it differs greatly in function and features. Only available in AWD with the nine-speed auto, it rides on 17-inch wheels with off-road-oriented tires, a raised suspension and a unique front fascia to maximize approach and breakover angles. Further mechanical changes include its own Selec-Terrain system to help it crawl over steep climbs and rocky surfaces. Red tow hooks front and rear and a matte-black hood accent further differentiate the Trailhawk from the rest of the Compass line, while a hidden set of underbody protection shields keep the engine, oil pan and gas tank from harm's way.
Trim tested
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Jeep Compass.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2017 Jeep Compass videos
SPEAKER 1: This is the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk. And we're here to put it through its paces to see just what it's capable of. The Compass Trailhawk is trail-rated, and there's a few things that go into that. It's got taller tires that raise it up a little bit. Suspension is higher, too. So the whole thing is almost an inch higher off the ground than other Compasses. You can also see that the rocker here is sculpted to give it a better brake-over angle. There are a couple of skid plates underneath in critical areas, too. Up front, you can see that the front end's been chamfered to give it a better approach angle, and there's the two bright red tow hooks, and there's one in the back as well. And also the spare tire in the back is a full size spare tire, which is what you really want if you have a flat tire off road. Before we get going, I should explain that Trailhawk specifically has a multi-terrain select system. There's an auto mode, and then there's separate modes for snow, sand, mud, and rock. You can lock the system to distribute power 50/50 between the front and rear axles, and there's a four wheel drive low position, which basically freezes it in first gear. It's a nine-speed automatic, so first gear is a really low gear. You get a 20 to one crawl ratio that way. Not as good as a Wrangler, obviously, but this isn't supposed to be a Wrangler. So for this first pass, I'm going to leave it in auto and see if it sorts itself out. Oh we've got some logs here. Make sure we tiptoe over these, but we should have no problem we have eight and a half inches of ground clearance, and the brake-over angle between the front and rear tires is 24 degrees, which is pretty healthy for a car like this. It's spinning a little bit. I think it would be happier if I locked the four wheel drive system. So I'm going to do that right now. And now I won't have any spinning, and it should just go right over. So it's nice to have because a lot of the other crossovers in this class don't have that feature. You would have that spinning go on for a lot longer, but I was able to punch the button and keep going. So the Trailhawk has a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine. It's got start-stop It just started up there. Right now, I've got the four wheel drive system locked. Last time, I did it an auto. Locked seemed to be the better way to go, and it would be. If you knew you were going to do this, you might as well lock it. So here we go. We've got plenty of clearance over that peak. And as we approach these logs, we have 30 degrees of approach angle clearance on this car, which is more than a standard Compass. The rear is even better, 34 degrees of departure clearance, also better standard Compass, enough for it, I believe. There, that was pretty good. Normally, when you get a crossover vehicle in this class, you get a basic four wheel drive system. You don't have terrain maps. You don't have this much clearance, especially the approach and departure clearance. And you pretty much have a system that's designed for ice and snow. This is designed to do a little bit more than that because it's a Jeep and it's trail-rated. But of course trail-rated doesn't mean the same thing. This is not able to do the same thing that a Wrangler Rubicon can do. It's a sliding scale depending on the category that the car competes in. So this Compass will be better off road than the car as it competes with just like the Wrangler is with the cars that it competes with, or the trucks I should say. There isn't as much suspension articulation as a dedicated off road vehicle might have, but the traction management system makes up for that partially. And so compared to a CRV or an HRV you might get in the same type of category, this has got better clearance and better traction. So what have we learned after all that? Well, the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk has excellent clearance. It's got great departure angle, approach angle in the front, clearance angle underneath, eight and half inches of ground clearance. You can see it doesn't have a ton of suspension articulation, but the traction management system that it has with all of its four modes is really something that you don't find in this segment. The Trailhawk offers something that the competition doesn't. So for that reason, it's worth a look. For more information on the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, go to edmunds.com, and click subscribe for more videos.
2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Off-Road Track Test
Director of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds demonstrates the off-road features of the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk on a specially built course. We find out how it differs from a regular Compass and how the Trailhawk's unique features set it apart from other small crossovers in its class.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Compass safety features:
- Jeep Active Drive
- Adjusts torque to ensure the tire with the most grip gets the most power. Also can disconnect the rear wheels to decrease fuel use.
- Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning
- Warns you if a risk of a front collision is detected and can prime the brakes to minimize reaction time.
- LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus
- Warns you if the Compass starts to drift out of its intended lane and can apply corrective steering to help out.
2017 Jeep Compass for Sale
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See your car's valueVehicle Overview
Automakers typically take one of two approaches when it comes to the final model year of a vehicle before it is completely overhauled. Some introduce new trims that combine popular high-end features at a lower price to provide a good value proposition. Others simply release the previous year's model with no changes and focus attention on the future car. The 2017 Jeep Compass follows that second line of thought. With the successor to the Compass andJeep Patriot expected to goon sale in early 2017, the current Compass soldiers on with no changes.
A change can't come soon enough because the Compass is mostly inferior to its rivals. It feels old in more ways than one, partially because of the aging platform that it shares with long-dead vehicles such as the Dodge Caliber and Chrysler Sebring. The cabin isn't as nice as many competitors, the touchscreen interface is woefully out-of-date, and there's an abundance of tire and wind noise at highway speeds. Add to that unimpressive EPA fuel economy estimates and a lack of high-tech entertainment or safety features, and the Compass is a difficult vehicle to recommend even half-heartedly.
It's true that the Compass isn't completely without merit. Its Grand Cherokee-lite styling still looks pretty good to our eyes, and this is one of the few compact SUVs offering a modicum of off-road ability. But these strengths are greatly outweighed by the drawbacks, and informed buyers will want to consider alternative compact SUVs. If you want to keep it in the family, the Jeep Cherokee and smaller Jeep Renegade are much more modern and still quite capable when pavement turns to dirt. Other highly rated small crossovers include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.
Performance and MPG
The 2017 Compass' base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2.0-liter Sport, while the 2.0-liter Latitude comes with a CVT that acts like a traditional automatic. Front-wheel drive is mandatory with the base engine.
Optional on front-wheel-drive models and standard with all-wheel drive is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed manual is once again offered on the Sport, but otherwise a six-speed automatic handles the shifting — unless you specify Freedom Drive II, which substitutes a CVT with a crawl mode that simulates a 4x4 vehicle's low-range gearing.
Fuel economy varies depending on which powertrain setup you get. None are all that fuel-efficient, though. For example, you're looking at 24 mpg combined (22 city/26 highway) with the 2.0-liter engine and the CVT or 23 mpg combined with the bigger 2.4-liter engine and front-drive and six-speed automatic. That drops to 21 mpg when you get the Freedom Drive II's CVT.
In Edmunds testing, an all-wheel-drive Compass with the 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, a slower-than-average time for this class.
Properly equipped, a Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety features for all Jeep Compass models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Front-wheel-drive models feature inferior rear drum brakes, while all-wheel-drive models get disc brakes front and rear.
In Edmunds brake testing, an all-wheel-drive Compass came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet, which is an average stopping distance for this class of vehicle.
In government crash testing, the Jeep Compass received a somewhat alarming three stars out of a possible five for front-impact crash safety.
Additional Information
If versatility in your compact sport-utility vehicle is an important consideration, the redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass deserves strong consideration. With an entirely new exterior and interior design, as well as a simplified lineup, the new Compass is loosely based on the smaller Jeep Renegade, but with styling inspirations from the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Note that Jeep is selling two Compass versions for 2017. The previous-generation model is also available. It's not as refined or appealing, but pricing is typically less to compensate.
The new Compass features segment-competitive interior volume and an efficient four-cylinder engine. With four available trim levels, the Compass can suit both city dwellers and those looking to take the less traveled path.
The Sport and Latitude variants can be had in either front- or all-wheel-drive versions. The Trailhawk and Limited are only available with all-wheel drive. For the Sport buyer, you'll only have a few options to worry about; the Cold Weather package, a Sport Appearance package and a Tech Group package that includes rear park sensors and satellite radio.
With a larger amount of available options — including navigation, forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring — the Latitude is likely to be the most relevant to most buyers. Although it comes with the same 5-inch Uconnect system as the Sport, the Latitude benefits from an optional 8.5-inch unit with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can also get xenon headlights, a tow package and panoramic sunroof.
The remaining trims, the Limited and Trailhawk, are only available with all-wheel drive. It's easy to determine which is the right model for you. If you need genuine off-road capability, it's the Trailhawk you'll want to buy; otherwise, the Limited will be right for you. Featuring underbody protection, a raised suspension and an enhanced four-wheel-drive system, the Trailhawk is surprisingly capable when the trail gets rough. Meanwhile, with standard leather seating surfaces, upgraded interior accents, power front seats and 18-inch wheels, the Limited is definitely aimed at the road-going buyer wanting the most convenience and luxury-oriented features. Whether the street or the trail is your preferred path of choice, use Edmunds to help you find the perfect 2017 Jeep Compass.
2017 Jeep Compass Overview
The 2017 Jeep Compass is offered in the following submodels: Compass SUV. Available styles include Latitude w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl CVT), High Altitude w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6A), All New Latitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M), All New Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A), Latitude w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A), All New Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A), Sport w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A), All New Latitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A), Sport w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6A), All New Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M), Sport SE w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), High Altitude w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport SE w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6A), 75th Anniversary Edition w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A), 75th Anniversary Edition w/Prod. End 02/17 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6A), and All New Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6M).
What do people think of the 2017 Jeep Compass?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Jeep Compass and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Compass 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Compass.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Jeep Compass and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Compass featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 Jeep Compass?
2017 Jeep Compass All New Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
The 2017 Jeep Compass All New Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,335. The average price paid for a new 2017 Jeep Compass All New Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) is trending $4,999 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,999 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$25,336.
The average savings for the 2017 Jeep Compass All New Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) is16.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2017 Jeep Compass All New Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2017 Jeep Compass All New Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M)
The 2017 Jeep Compass All New Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,620. The average price paid for a new 2017 Jeep Compass All New Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) is trending $7,450 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,450 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$20,170.
The average savings for the 2017 Jeep Compass All New Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) is27% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2017 Jeep Compass All New Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2017 Jeep Compasses are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Jeep Compass for sale near. There are currently 5 new 2017 Compasses listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,975 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Jeep Compass. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $7,450 on a used or CPO 2017 Compass available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2017 Jeep Compasss you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Jeep Compass for sale - 4 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $16,871.
Find a new Jeep for sale - 5 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $7,577.
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Should I lease or buy a 2017 Jeep Compass?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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2017 Jeep Compass Information
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