Is The 2017 Jeep Compass A Good Car
The 2017 Jeep Compass stands at a crossroads between affordable SUVs and the rugged image Jeep is known for. Many buyers look at it as a budget-friendly way to get a Jeep badge. But is the 2017 Compass truly a smart buy, or does it fall short in key areas? If you’re considering a used Compass, knowing the facts can help you avoid regrets and pick the right car for your needs. Let’s look closely at what makes the 2017 Compass tick, where it shines, and where it struggles.
Performance And Driving Experience
The 2017 Compass comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 180 horsepower. While this seems enough on paper, the Compass’s actual performance is more modest. Acceleration is slow compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. Passing on the highway takes planning, and the engine can get noisy when pushed.
You’ll find either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed/9-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim and drivetrain. The 9-speed automatic, in particular, receives complaints for rough shifting and hesitation. For city driving and commuting, the Compass is fine, but drivers looking for excitement may be disappointed.
On the plus side, the Compass offers a smooth ride over bumps and handles well in parking lots. The turning radius is tight, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings.
Interior Quality And Comfort
Inside, the Compass offers a modern look with soft-touch materials and simple controls. The base Sport trim is basic, but higher trims like Latitude and Limited add leather upholstery, heated seats, and a larger touchscreen. All models seat five, with decent space up front but tighter quarters in the back for tall adults.
Cargo space is average for the class. With rear seats up, you get about 27 cubic feet. Folding them down expands space to 60 cubic feet, which is practical for luggage or groceries but less than some competitors.
Noise insulation is only fair. At highway speeds, wind and road noise can enter the cabin, which may bother some buyers used to quieter SUVs.
Features And Technology
The 2017 Compass covers basic needs but doesn’t stand out for tech. Standard equipment includes:
- Uconnect touchscreen (5-inch base, 8.4-inch on higher trims)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB and auxiliary ports
Optional features on higher trims include navigation, a sunroof, and premium audio. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing on this model year, which may disappoint tech-savvy drivers.
For safety, the Compass offers a rearview camera and some advanced features on higher trims, like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Fuel Economy
The Compass is reasonably efficient for a compact SUV. Front-wheel-drive models with the automatic get 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway according to EPA ratings. All-wheel-drive versions are slightly lower, at 22 city and 30 highway.
These numbers are competitive but don’t lead the class. Real-world fuel economy often falls short of the official ratings, especially in city driving.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
Reliability is a mixed bag for the 2017 Compass. According to J.D. Power, it scores below average for dependability. Common owner complaints involve:
- Transmission issues (especially with the 9-speed automatic)
- Electrical glitches with the infotainment system
- Minor trim and fit problems
Repair costs are typical for a compact SUV, but repeated trips to the dealer for small fixes can add up. The Compass comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which helps if you buy a lower-mileage used model.
Insurance rates are average, and spare parts are not unusually expensive. However, resale values are lower than rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
Off-road Capability
One area where the Compass stands out is off-road ability, especially in the Trailhawk trim. With higher ground clearance, skid plates, and Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system, the Trailhawk can handle trails that would stop most compact SUVs.
However, most Compass models are aimed at street use. The base and mid-level trims can handle dirt roads or snow but aren’t true off-roaders.
How It Compares To Rivals
To help you see where the Compass fits, here’s a side-by-side look at how it stacks up against key competitors.
| Feature | Jeep Compass (2017) | Honda CR-V (2017) | Toyota RAV4 (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 | 184 | 176 |
| MPG (city/hwy) | 22/31 | 26/32 | 23/30 |
| Cargo Space (cu ft) | 27/60 | 39/76 | 38/73 |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | No | Yes | Yes |
The Compass is competitive in power but lags in cargo space and technology. It also can’t match the Honda or Toyota for reliability or resale value.
Pros And Cons
A quick summary can help you weigh your decision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Slow acceleration |
| Good off-road Trailhawk trim | Below-average reliability |
| Jeep styling | Limited cargo space |
| Comfortable ride | No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
Non-obvious Insights
First, maintenance history matters a lot with used Compasses. A well-kept model with service records is much less likely to have annoying problems. Second, the Trailhawk trim is not just marketing—it offers genuine off-road upgrades missing from other trims. If you’re not planning to leave paved roads, you might save money by skipping this trim.
Who Should Buy The 2017 Compass?
The Compass is a good fit for buyers who:
- Want a small SUV with Jeep style
- Need light off-road capability (especially the Trailhawk)
- Value price over top-tier tech or space
It’s less ideal if you need the most cargo room, top reliability, or the latest connectivity features.
If you value the Jeep badge and your budget is tight, a well-maintained Compass can make sense. Otherwise, a used CR-V or RAV4 may offer more value for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 2017 Jeep Compass Reliable?
The 2017 Compass is below average for reliability. Common issues include transmission problems and minor electrical faults. Carefully check service records before buying.
What Is The Gas Mileage Of The 2017 Jeep Compass?
Front-wheel-drive models get up to 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive versions are slightly less efficient.
Does The 2017 Compass Have Apple Carplay Or Android Auto?
No, the 2017 Compass does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Later models add this feature.
Is The Trailhawk Trim Worth It?
If you plan to go off-road, the Trailhawk is worth considering. It has better ground clearance and true 4×4 capability. For city driving, lower trims are enough.
How Does The Compass Compare To The Honda Cr-v And Toyota Rav4?
The Compass is more affordable and offers better off-road ability, but the CR-V and RAV4 have more cargo space, higher reliability, and better technology.
For more detailed specs, see the official Jeep website.
In summary, the 2017 Jeep Compass is a budget-friendly small SUV with unique style and some off-road skill, but it comes with compromises in reliability, space, and tech. Buyers should weigh these factors carefully before making a decision.
