At long last, summer is upon us! Although we have seriously sucky winters to content with here in New England, our summers absolutely do kick ass. But, there’s only so much ass you can kick if you’re without wheels, or driving on wheels that might just give out before you reach the beach. Affordability and athleticism are key targets for summer rides and with the 2017 Jeep Compass you’ve got both – in abundance.
Notched between the Renegade and Cherokee, the Compass is truly the middle sibling in this Jeep lineup, but like all middle siblings, is spunky, sporting plenty of ‘tude, and is worth the attention it demands. Also in true middle child fashion, the Compass shares the same 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine as the Renegade. This unit generates 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Towing capacity comes in at a maximum of 2,000 pounds.
Configured for 4WD, the Compass comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed automatic is optional. The 4×4 variant comes paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, boasting seriously impressive fuel economy of 23 city and 30 highway mpg. That’s one mpg better than the Renegade.
Industry experts predict that, of the four trim levels – Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk – the Latitude will garner the most purchases. While the Renegade alienates some consumers with its unique appearance, the Compass boasts a sleek, professional stance, but is still representative of Jeep’s rugged capability.
It’s an ideal road (or off-road) tripper, too. Assuming all five seats are filled, the Compass affords you a considerable 27.2 cubic feet of storage. However, drop a few passengers and you’ll enjoy an extended 59.8 cubic feet of storage, courtesy of the seats folded down.
What’s more, Jeep confirmed that the 2017 Compass is the first in the Jeep lineup to come equipped with the next-generation of Jeep’s UConnect infotainment technology. Imagine the middle child in your life being bestowed with such a privilege. Nightmare! Fortunately, the Compass is a dream, given that the new UConnect suite features an enhanced screen, which is responsive to swipe-and-pinch functions, similar to your smartphone.
Safety is always at the forefont of Jeep’s vehicle production. As such, expect your 2017 Compass to come equipped with available options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among a host of other standard and optional safety enhancements.
Priced to start at $19,940, the 2017 Jeep Compass is a solid option for drivers of any age; however, Jeep has chosen to target the Millennial crew with its new ad, “Recalculating.” Just look at these kids taking charge and redirecting their lives in this spot that is basically about life and the way it unfolds while we’re busy making other plans. ]
Whatever your plans might be, they should involve taking this year’s Compass for a test drive. We get that you likely won’t up-end your life, Millennial-style, but it’s always good to change gears once in a while…
