Downsizing. Minimalist lifestyle. Spring cleaning. A Brooklyn budget. Whatever you want to call it, some folks seem to be looking to live large with very little. And in recent months, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has been doing just that as the automaker has cut back its vehicle portfolio by announcing the fleet-only status of some models and the demise of others (i.e., R.I.P. Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Dart and Dodge Viper). Sadly, not even the Walter P. Chrysler Museum was spared.
Also being sent to the parts-bin morgue were the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, but their discontinuation was to make room for the all-new…Jeep Compass. In truth, it’s a remix of the vehicular kind—a familiar tune by the original artist but different enough warrant its own release. Besides, what were they going to call it? The Patriompass? No.
From a styling standpoint, compared to the Patriot, the outgoing Compass was the better-looking sibling (sorry, but you know that’s generally the case in real life). Although built on the same wheelbase, the Patriot was shorter, thinner and with a larger head. It was clumsier in design than the Compass, which resembled the sleeker Grand Cherokee. This styling direction continues with the 2017 Compass looking all the more like the grander SUV.
More handsome than many of its cute-ute segment cohorts, the Compass evokes an approachable ruggedness. Soccer moms and dads will have no problem reaching for the keys, and the kiddos will not plead to be dropped off a block away. The available Gloss Black top adds a luxurious, high-end feel, which, intentional or not, is reminiscent of Land Rover’s iconic painted roof.
Also: 2017 Chicago Auto Show: Mopar 2017 Dodge Challenger
On the inside, the cabin continues with the quality feel. There are numerous soft touch points and multiple plugs for electronics. Available niceties include a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and an 8.4-inch MID touchscreen with UConnect, which is not only the largest display in the segment but also one of the most intuitive infotainment systems to use.
However, while the in-car connectivity impresses, the Compass still feels compact. Though probably not the roomiest in its class, at least a six-foot-plus’er won’t feel like a sardine. There also is a noticeable lack of storage space. A small cargo net located in the front passenger foot well is handy for loose items like phones but once the cup holders are filled, the center bin and glove box are hardly cavernous. Additionally, the leather-trimmed seat inserts of premium models look nice but were as comfortable as cardboard leatherette when compared to cloth seats of other trims.
The design team claim the new Compass interior and its four flavors were inspired by the outdoors (read: sand, snow, city, trail) because, really, that’s where a Jeep should be. But considering how dismal a four-wheeler the first-generation vehicle was, just because the new Compass looks the part, can it play, too? Yes, and surprisingly well.
The Compass’ ground clearance ranges from 7.8-8.5 inches, which is actually average for the compact SUV class, but none of its nearly one dozen direct competitors offer a four-wheel-drive model. Granted, the all-wheel-drive systems of the top-selling Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape will suffice during moments of anything-but-sunny weather, but it will be the Compass with its rigid frame and 4×4 underpinnings that will laugh and seek out uneven pavements, rain or shine.
While I wouldn’t suggest joining any rock-bouncing races, the Compass did easily maneuver through an off-road course consisting of axis articulation exercises, steep descents and climbs, mud puddles and jutted terrain. I mean, what would you expect from a vehicle with drive modes labeled: snow, sand, mud and rock?
Its on-road manners are equally adept and the Compass offers a composed ride with a rather quiet cabin. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder Tigershark engine is standard for all models and its 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque is more than adequate. An endangered species, a six-speed manual transmission is offered with both 2WD and 4WD models. Those preferring an automatic will choose from a six-speed for 2WD vehicles and the segment’s only nine-speed for 4WD.
That being said, at speed, the gas pedal felt lethargic and required more work to maintain speed but that’s not a demerit considering the whole package. Also, no transmission-drive system pairing is a penalty as all average at least 25 combined mpg so feel free to pick your heel-and-toe poison.
On sale this spring, pricing starts at $20,995 MSRP. Destination will be another $1,095. The highest-optioned Compass extends to $28,995 before additional packages, while others’ AWD-equipped top trims exceed $30,000. With the SUV market continuing to be the hottest ticket around, vehicles are going to need a unique selling point to stand out in the increasingly crowded field. For compact SUVs, RAV4 is surprisingly the lone hybrid and, in the fall, the Mazda CX-5 is slated to offer the segment’s only diesel. With its all-new Compass, Jeep has a legitimate 4×4 with the competitive CUV chops to easily expand on the combined sales of the outgoing Compass-Patriot.
