2017 Jeep Compass | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Shop new Jeep Compass listings: goo.gl/JtFyMo
Jeep has two Compass SUVs on sale new right now, the version that’s the same as the 2016, which is sometimes called the Compass X, and the redesigned 2017 version that looks and feels noticeably improved and offers a new Trailhawk trim. We’ll focus on the new version here.
Jeep is probably more comfortable than any other automaker with American car shoppers’ newfound preference for crossovers instead of sedans. But its Compass was not equipped with a truly off-road-capable suspension until this year. The new Compass Trailhawk features Jeep’s Selec-Terrain Traction Management System and the Active Drive Low 4x4 System, which together provide an unparalleled combination of on-road traction and off-road performance.
Every Compass uses the 2.4-liter, 180-hp Tigershark 4-cylinder engine that’s an upgrade in the smaller Renegade and the base engine in the larger Cherokee. The EPA estimates it will get 22 mpg city, 31 highway, and 25 combined, and our reviewer found it surprisingly quiet. Read more on CarGurus: cargur.us/fjY6F
Presenter: Keith Barry
Cinematographer: Scott Millette
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Crossovers & SUVs
• Crossovers and SUVs

[@pholam6710]

I bought this car today,same color and everything! 🥰 No payments!

[@donnalopez2126]

The tailgate button is located in the upper console, all you need to do is look for it, so many reviewers nowadays bashing cars they don't know how to operate.

[@carykettner3606]

donna lopez pplmpk

[@nathanmaynard131]

I’ve also never had a problem with the turn signal flashing the brights in my compass trail hawk like he said

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

The single lift arm for the power tailgate soon becomes a problem and over time the tailgate seems to twist and not close as it should.

[@858415]

It might not be good as the competition but it certainly looks better!

[@melanciafan]

Not better when there isn't snow on the road. Incomparably better (safer) when there is. Buyers will decide what their priorities are of course. BTW, I agree that this is a good looking vehicle.

[@carlenegeorge96]

I am enjoying my 2017 jeep compass trailhawk so far. Feels safe.

[@ashlaysaywhat]

As much as I have mixed feelings about my compass trail hawk, I do live in Wisconsin and a couple years ago we had a huge snowstorm, our gmc sierra managed to get stuck, where the compass surprisingly made it through the deep snow. So I guess i'll give it that lol.

[@theiconisch1334]

Very nice demonstration. The way of explaining is awesome.

[@salihalexanderesq.2243]

This is NOT competing with the CRV, Sportage, RAV4, Tucson, Escape, Tiguan, Forester, or CX-5. It's NOT a Compact SUV. It's a SUB-Compact SUV, though it is on the larger end. It is definitely better off road than any of the other subcompacts like the Crosstrek, CX3, Renegade, HRV, Rogue Sport, or CHR. Additionally, the seats are better for drivers over 6 ft than any of those. Stop comparing it to the wrong class. It's either a large subcompact or a hybrid between a subcompact and a compact. It actually has more cargo room than a Cherokee. You can get a manual with power windows and 4wd while getting 24 mpg and having a touch screen with XM Radio and Bluetooth. It's compact and maneuverable. The 9 speed isn't an issue if you can actually drive a stick. Remember that a Sport with 4wd and everything I just said is $22,995. With $500 down and some rebates you can go under $20K out the door and have a $350 car payment for 5 years. Sounds like a winner to me. Some of ya'll sound like whiners, not winners. And tell me the man who will want to drive a CH-R or RAV4 just because the Tacoma has a below average reliability rating from the Japanese brand fanboys at Consumer Reports? Anyone?

[@poppa_da_corn]

Only hic in your statement is that the Renegade and Compass are basically the same. In every way.

[@icewtrlvr2]

beautiful little car

[@charliepalmer2465]

Just got the TrailHawk Version of Compass, and love it...

[@charliepalmer2465]

I would also make a comment that it appears that for the 18 model, the issue regarding the 9 speed automatic , Is no longer a problem. Reason I am suggesting that , is the shifting when looking to pass or get onto Highway is very smooth now... In AZ where I live the hwy speed is 75, so the need for this is very important heading down the on ramps... Point is, I do not see that as an issue. Also, something else to keep in mind vs. the other small SUV the author mentions.... Had to beat the Compass with all the Tech options you get in Trail Hawk, and for well under 30k with rebates and incentives... it makes it even harder to touch this deal... As I know, I did the homework before buying.... Good Looking, High Tech, Excellent off Road Capabilities for the Price!! And even light towing can be done now... which I love, because I like to take my Kayak all over and it has a Trailer I use for it.... So far, I am impressed!!

[@rross5901]

Thanks for giving a good honest review instead of just shooting this suv down.

[@M.K-SAVE]

How is the drive so far?

[@9unslin9er]

I'll take this ALL DAY over that Cherokee monstrosity.

[@savedin87ify]

I have a 2016. And i don't care what anyone says. It's a good vehicle. Yes not a lot of power. But its a s.u.v. i love mine.

[@sanpedrosilver]

How can you drive with the seat so close to the steering wheel? Airbag will hurt you bad..

[@jamesseaver6326]

good review

[@toddajohnson82]

I am leasing a '15 Cherokee Trailhawk, It also has the downshift/transmission issue still. A 9-speed transmission that doesn't shift when reasonable just doesn't seem right. Merging or passing in traffic, you have to kick it down and wait about 3 full seconds for it to go. It's frustrating but you learn to anticipate the lag. I don't know if I would lease the Cherokee again, or the New Compass either. I am leaning towards going back to the Grand Cherokee. The reason I went with Cherokee was that I was trying to downsize a bit from my '04 Grand Cherokee.

[@suzieparis6821]

Love my 2018 spitfire orange jeep compass trailhawk

[@Sig721Tau]

This guy should stop reviewing Jeeps and stick to Hybrids. Lol

[@morreyang6923]

Nice!

[@hawkstringfellow]

I would have to drive one to form an opinion on the compass

[@sycodad4483]

So how can you call this trail rated when you can not even get a real trail tire for it? Don't get much response from jeep. they just say we will void your warranty if you put a bigger tire on it. 1500 miles on my 2018 trailhawk and I am ready to get rid of it.

[@ComradeDt]

lol the nerd appeoach was cool

[@bilalnajjar903]

AL BORLAND!!!!

[@jedironin380]

Jeep can't just fix the transmission with "just a few lines of code." They've been trying for 3 years with the Cherokee, and there are still a LOT of complaints about the 9-spd. transmission in it. Also, the gears seem to be spaced too far apart, and that can't be fixed with programming. Too bad, I like the new Compass otherwise.

[@jandy7155]

Went from a 2015 200C to a 2018 Compass and u can really tell they worked on the transmission. Its a lot better than it used to be. Still not perfect but very noticeable difference.

[@nathanmaynard131]

2018/19 compasses have fixed the issue this new model had when it came out. Mine never has any trouble finding gears on the highway

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Europeans do not buy automatic transmissions like we do so they just do not work on refining them as they should.

[@stockrock8938]

Hii sir I'm John from India Could you please tell me the jeep compass dimensions

[@joeuv]

Nice car thank you

[@marcosmendonca8892]

Do you know if i can install this steering wheel 2017 in my 07 laredo grand cherokee ?

[@Daniel28021991]

Very nice

[@capnb15]

It’s not an iguana

[@curiousmice]

This is not true. Where You’re getting Your information?! The current and past Jeep Compass is exact 65inches tall where Cherokee is only 65.7 . Where in here is Your 7 inches difference? ;/ You guys are spreading false informations and then people believe it and spread it further. Jeep Cherokee it’s only slightly longer than Compass. Beside that Compass has more room inside, more cargo space and overall look like mini version of Grand Cherokee. They should switch names. Cherokee has completely different front design and should be called Compass.

[@gp16524]

It’s still sluggish especially for daily driver around town and on the highway ....you would never know there is 180 hp. It’s fine for off-roading but transmission is a mess.

[@117NateDog]

I tested this vehicle yesterday. The vehicle is very small and uncomfortable and is very close to price to the Cherokee. Too bad it doesn't have a v6 in it... If you're going to get a jeep, a Cherokee is the the way to go.

[@TdotSoul]

117NateDog are you a large person? I'm 5'9" 180lbs and find it perfectly comfortable.

[@4dscdriver]

I'm 6'1 290lbs and I fit just fine. In fact, I have more leg room in it than I do my 17 Rogue. My knees are in the dash on the Rogue.

[@chadhaire1711]

These fuel economy figures are BULLSHIT. If you are going to test a car give us the REAL fuel economy, not what is printed on the sticker..I have driven these and not one ever got more than 25 mpg.....

[@jandy7155]

I've had my 18 Compass trailhawk for a week now and am averaging about 25 mpg combined. mostly city, a little highway.

[@jamieeisenhower1560]

I like how these car testers always try to push people to give up American jobs and by foreign third class cars

[@ballinhobo8603]

Does anyone know how this vehicle is in the snow? I live in Manitoba, Canada. The winters can be harsh.

[@suzieparis6821]

Its good but im told you cannot put chunky tires on..which would b good at times..im in montana

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Put winter tires on it as you should. Simple.

[@peterjanjanin9883]

Did he say a couple of lines of coke? That fixes everything

[@Fifthcell]

Now people can buy a cheap Range Rover Evoque copy

[@KarthikKarthik-db9zc]

Fifthcell it's no where near Evoque

[@melanciafan]

For those that appreciate the best 4X4 for those that don't want to get $$$raped$$$ by a Range Rover dealership or "Exotics" shop every time you need maintenance or repair work done.

[@deanalbertson7203]

That seat looks uncomfortable.

[@RobertGaron]

Dean Albertson They are actually VERY comfortable.

[@TdotSoul]

They are super comfortable actually

[@RobertGaron]

TdotSoul 💯% Agreed!

[@suzieparis6821]

Ot is 4x4

[@Phantasmos]

Looks like a Nissan Rouge!

[@extremiztic]

Who would want a CRV or RAV4 over this beauty! They both have the poorest ride and handling in the segment.

[@Diwash1]

Well people like you are what have not made Jeep change their Car, i like this car except the engine and the transmission. Have you driven rav 4 and CRV?

[@ObamaTookMyCat]

because those cars actually can haul... an inline 4 as the only option? SERIOUSLY??

[@ryanrabe5313]

Diwash1 ?

[@jmaldama14]

I feel like if your going to get a jeep, just spring for the Grand Cherokee.

[@TdotSoul]

Jeremy Aldama lol "spring for"

[@darrensculuca3956]

LOVE the neonurd review of the trail hawk but would be the last review i would do with him..the true hard core fanatics are gana laugh theri asses off upside down over this one..omg..love you guys but next time ..PLEASE...get some one who is or at least..well...kida..hard core???..now with that being said yes hes right about some things..the traz and the power and the mhg are a problem but that being said..the transmission is the worst and needs fixed like asp now.

[@5stardave]

I prefer the old model

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

me too.

[@bludwork]

Everything looks like a crv, even bmws and volvos. shame

[@BTC909]

Not even worth leasing.

[@ekazeg24]

Ivan Vojt right

[@nourissa6127]

I got offered 266 a month, how did u get it so cheap? @fm57

[@rockford2523]

Not everyone wants to lease a Jeep. You say it’s not even worth leasing. I agree. At its low price, you should buy a Jeep. None of the competition can come close to what a Jeep can do on and off road.

[@swanblake]

Teribble FCA junk. Awful drivetrains. Just avoid

[@jaysway9251]

This car befits the reviewer: a man-gina And who the hell cares about these "Easter eggs"?!?!?!?!!

[@g.mcmurray2701]

Google compass issues, this car is a nightmare, piece of garbage

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Look for a video by savage geese should you buy a 2023 jeep compass. he puts it up on a lift for a good look under neath.