What is it? Jeep’s new Compass revitalized take on what a compact SUV should look like. And, perhaps more importantly, how it should perform, especially off-road.
Why does it matter? The last generation Compass introduced in 2007 was a bit frou-frou – all on-road sass and no off-road gravitas. No more. Styled like a baby Grand Cherokee, Jeep’s trademark slotted grille doesn’t look out of place thanks to the muscular wheel arches and classic shape. More importantly, the Compass — if you order the Trailhawk edition — has a 30-degree approach angle, 24-degree breakover angle, and 34-degree departure angle, all necessary if you’re going to boast off-road bona fides.
2017 Jeep Compass
There’s even a low “crawl” ratio — Jeep Active Drive Low — for, well, crawling over rocks and tree stumps. That lets Jeep claim that the Trailhawk is the most off-road capable sport cute in its class. Motivation, by the way, is limited to a single engine, FCA’s 2.4-litre Tigershark inline four in this guise boasting 180 horsepower.
When is it coming? Compasses will be in Jeep dealers within the first three months of 2017.
Should you buy it? Do you buy your small SUVs with an eye to traversing the Rubicon Trail? If so, then the Compass should be on your shopping list. Or maybe you just want to look like you’re going to cross the Rubicon. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for on-road utility and reliability, there might be better choices available.
