Jeep Compass 2017 Review

Back on track
Jeep says its all-new Compass is on track to become one of the brand’s best-selling models Down Under, where the small SUV replaces both the current Compass and the Patriot in Jeep’s range.

Following its motor show debut in Los Angeles last year, Jeep says the Compass promises as many as 70 new safety and security features, which could be a major drawcard in attracting interest in a sea of same-same competitors.

Positioned between the Renegade and Cherokee in Jeep’s own line-up, the Compass will vie with as many as 24 rivals Down Under, including the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V and Suzuki Vitara.

As well as improved technology, the Compass offers improved on-road dynamics, thanks primarily to a stretched version of the GM-Fiat derived SCCS ‘small wide’ platform shared with the Italian-made Renegade.

A MacPherson strut front, Chapman strut rear suspension arrangement – available with Koni frequency selective damping (FSD) – works with the stiffer body to also further wheel articulation (up to 200mm).

Little Jeep airs, big Jeep graces
Range-topping Compass Trailhawk models offer a generous 216mm of ground clearance (+20mm more than other variants) and good off-road geometry of 30.0 degrees approach, 24.4 degrees break-over and 33.6 degrees departure angles.

Two four-wheel drive systems are offered – Active Drive and Active Drive Low – each of which can send up to 100 per cent of available torque to any one wheel. Both utilise an ‘on-demand’ arrangement, disconnecting the rear axle via power take-off to improve fuel economy when all-wheel drive is not required. Both iterations are controlled via Jeep’s four-mode Selec-Terrain dial.

The ‘Trail Rated’ Trailhawk variant adds a fifth ‘Rock’ mode to the Selec-Terrain dial, as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill-Descent Contol, a 20:1 crawl ratio, 4.33:1 final drive ratio, underbody skid plates and Jeep’s signature red front and rear recovery hooks. The model also boasts up to 480mm of water fording, but a somewhat lacklustre 900kg braked tow rating (a result of engine cooling requirements).

Motoring into the modern age
Like many in its class the 4398mm long, five-door Compass uses electrically-assisted steering, the system enhanced by Jeep’s driving steering torque system (essentially torque vectoring by brake). The technology aims to reduce the incidence of understeer/oversteer, and we’re pleased to report works very well.

Built in four countries and sold in 140, the Compass will retail with a range of drivelines, depending on the market. Right-hand drive versions are made in India.

As many as five engine choices will be offered globally and Australia will share the 134kW/237Nm 2.4-litre Tigershark petrol unit sold in the USA and sampled here.

In all-wheel drive guise, it is offered in conjunction with a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive models retain an Aisin-sourced six-speed auto.

At launch, Australia is also expected to receive a 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre MultiJetII four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

Fuel economy details have not yet been determined for the Australian market.
The Compass will likely be offered in all four grades known elsewhere in the Jeep range (Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk) when it arrives Down Under, with a mix of two and four-wheel drive variants offered across the line-up

Styled with substance
If you think the Compass looks like a Jeep, you’re right. The family look is no coincidence, its designers employing style cues such as the seven-slot grille, clamshell bonnet, black-rimmed headlights and “expressive” wide stance to convey a sense of ruggedness.

Pumped guards and a raked roofline – available with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof – flow into a powered tailgate (on higher grade models) beset by slim, rectangular LED tail-lights.

The cabin continues the “sculptural” theme with a trapezoidal centre stack hosting 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touch-screen displays (depending on grade). On high-grade Trailhawk variants, a red surround highlights the instrument panel, gearshift and front-door speakers. The remainder of the décor is a proliferation of black and dark grey plastics.

Upholstery choices vary between cloth and leather, again depending on grade, with electric seat adjustment and seat heaters offered on upper-spec variants.

In-cabin storage is limited to the glovebox, mesh tablet holder, centre console bin and door pockets (with bottle holders). The real estate of the centre console is consumed by two cup-holders, the gearshift, numerous buttons – including the now-electric park brake – and Selec-Terrain controller.

The large cargo area offers a clever multi-level reversible floor, and the choice of 60:40 or 40:20:40 split/folding second-row seating, again depending on model grade.

Immersive technology
You could easily get lost in the details of the Compass’ 70 new tech items.
Key here is FCA’s fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment array, which is available in four derivations.

The line-up includes a faster processor and improved graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, as are navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and sat-nav.

Drivers will find the largest configurable full-colour LED instrument panel in the segment at 3.5- or 7.0-inches, steering wheel-mounted audio, trip computer and cruise control buttons, and voice control.

LED headlights, a 506-Watt Beats premium audio system and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as options.

There’s also a wide array of electronic driver assistance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, electronic roll mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera and sensors, seven airbags, and stability and traction control – all of which should help improve upon the outgoing model’s two-star Euro NCAP and four-star ANCAP safety ratings.

Bigger than Texas
The first impression of the Compass is one of impressive interior space. The front seats boast decent ergonomics, while the second row comfortably accommodates three adults, all with leg and headroom to spare. In fact, the only real downfall here is hindered rear three-quarter vision.

It’s a quiet place to be, too. There’s little road or mechanical noise to note, just a slight wind rustle about the wing mirrors.

The 2.4-litre petrol engine is a willing and free-revving unit that provides reasonably linear power delivery. It is, however, hampered by a transmission calibration geared towards economy and, without a Sport mode or paddle shifts, can take some provocation to kick down a cog when overtaking, or driving out of corners.

That said, the Compass is brisk enough at the speeds most drivers are likely to experience. It’s also a smooth ride with capable handling, the car quick to settle on lumpy country roads and accurate to steer through bends.

We found the steering itself a little devoid of feel, though in view of most in this segment it's appropriately weighted and easy to twirl when parking.

The Compass’ braking is competent with a well-metered pedal stroke. It’s not only useful when tackling stop-start traffic but also off-road, where the vehicle’s abilities are certainly unmatched in the segment, and ripe for shaming all but the most focussed off-road SUV.

The verdict
The high-riding Compass is bigger than expected and will comfortably service younger families, weekend adventurers or city commuters. Its technology offerings are useful and cooperative, while the drive suffers only from lethargic transmission calibration.

It’s a step in the right direction for the brand and, when considered with Jeep’s newly announced five-year warranty, shows a competitiveness that has long been lacking of the nameplate.

If FCA Australia manages to price position the Compass sensibly against its peers, there’s no reason it shouldn’t do well here. It’s arguably the brand’s most mature small SUV offering yet, and one we look forward to driving on home soil – especially with the torquier turbo-diesel engine on board.

2017 Jeep Compass petrol pricing and specifications:
Price: From $27,000 (estimated)
On sale: Late 2017
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 134kW/237Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.8L/100km (as tested)
CO2: TBC
Safety Rating: TBC

2017 Jeep Compass diesel pricing and specifications:
Price: $TBC
On sale: Late 2017
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 125kW/350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: TBC
CO2: TBC
Safety Rating: TBAC

Jeep Compass trivia:
The original Compass traces its origins to the 2002 Detroit motor show concept of the same name. Itself inspired by the 1998 Jeepster concept, the show car promised V6 power and all-wheel drive traction, but the production model was never ‘Trail Rated’, and only offered four-cylinder power. The four-seat layout of the Compass concept model gave way to a regular five-seat format, thankfully not trimmed in the show car’s green leather and Goretex ‘G Force Green’ upholstery. The first production version of the Jeep Compass went on to share its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander, Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot.