Used 2017 Jeep Compass Altitude for sale 

The Jeep Compass is available in five trims, namely Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, Limited, and High Latitude. The options are paired to a 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions and provided the option of power output to Front Wheels (FWD) or all the four wheels (4x4), for the buyer to choose from. Moreover, "Latitude' and "Trailhawk' come with an optional 9-speed automatic transmission exclusively to the 4x4 model.

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The 6-speed automatic with the 2.4L engine and the 4x4 drivetrain is the setup to go for. Considering optional packages and features can add a lot to the price tag, it's better to go with the basic trims. The Trailhawk trims seem to be the best outfitted, albeit, with a hefty discount. Thus, we would recommend the Trailhawk trim of the Compass.

Jeep offers a 2.0L with the FWD trim and 2.4L with the 4x4 option. Both have the same mechanical build-up apart from the size which brings in the subtle changes to the on-paper performance numbers. All the trims have an offer to select from 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic transmission. There is also an option of the 9-speed gearbox with some specific 4x4 trims.  While the base 2.4L inline-4 engine produces 158hp of power and 141 lb.-ft of torque, the higher placed 2.0L engine is rated at 172hp and 165lb.-ft of torque. 

Both the engines are well built and are suitable for any kind of terrain, but as one would expect as a punch from a car of Jeep's caliber, the car certainly feels lacking in this aspect. The engines are understandably and noticeably tuned with the fuel consumption rate as their priority and practicality, due to which the car is not given for response and performance. The engines are rather lethargic at taking off.

As seen on paper, the Jeep Compass comes out as the highest in terms of specs along with the lowest in the starting price as well. But the refinements and tuning of the other cars in the same segment is the better and effective use of torque is unmistakably felt while examining the same. Although, all the SUVs on the table fall in the 140-150 lb-ft of torque output.

2017 Jeep Compass SUV Acceleration

The engine on duty with the 2017 Jeep Compass works exceedingly well, especially when mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission unit. In the acceleration test, the Compass sprints from 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds, making it the quickest in the segment. With the updated variant, the engine is set to be tuned with higher outputs for better result and will make use of a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

The Jeep Compass is the quickest off the line when tested against the other cars, but as the stretch increases to the quarter-mile, it loses its leading position and ends up getting the lowermost of the lot, no matter the extra 400cc advantage than all the three cars. This is because Jeep engineering's main focus on delivering a clear-cut balance between fun and practicality. The Chevrolet Trax is the slowest in the segment and takes 9.5 seconds to reach the 60mph mark. 

2017 Jeep Compass SUV Ride and Handling

Jeep has faced both the ups and downs for this car based on its ride and handling. But with minor tweaks and updates on this fresh model, the car does get stiffer and a bit more confident. Doing corners in this vehicle has been taken a step further, thanks to the weight distribution. The suspension offers a comfortable cabin to be in as well. But if you long for a better driving experience the refreshed Compass that made it to the market sometime mid-year will leave you exhilarated. 

On the other hand, the handling is so-so, with inconsistent steering feedback. Now, what it's meant to deliver being a Jeep is its off-roading abilities, which without a doubt is excellent in this vehicle too. The ride quality is particularly good in the Compass, much better than its drivability.

2017 Jeep Compass SUV Braking

The 12 and 11-inch front and rear brake pad setup does a great job of bringing the car to a dead stop in just the right amount of time. Furthermore, the default set of tires that comes with this car offers a mediocre grip with stock tires. The car does have a great braking response, and the pedal seems easy to control and get used to.

Having the best setup of the front and rear brake system, and even though the Compass is the heaviest of the lot, it comes out to be the quickest to brake/stop in the same condition. The Mazda CX-3 seems to offer the most competitive braking performance to the Jeep, followed by the Chevrolet Trax.

Either engine is outfitted to maximize fuel economy. The FWD manual transmission model is the best with 23 mpg in cities, 32 on highways, and 26 combined. The FWD automatic gives 22 mpg in cities, 32 on highways, and 25 combined. The automatic 4WD model has 22/30/25 mpg for city/highway/combined respectively.

The said data is for the 2-liter engine of the Jeep Compass because pretty clearly that would be the sensible choice if one is to go for an economical option. Neither are the numbers too staggering nor does it compete very well among others, so the Jeep Compass loses some credibility in this section. The Mazda CX-3 SUV comes out on top as far as the fuel economy is concerned. Even the Chevrolet Trax offers better frugality than the Jeep Compass.

The Compass's interior is comfortable, functional, and has enough space for four adult passengers. The materials are classier than before, though still not "upscale," neither is the price, and the Compass is at least as well outfitted as much of its competition. This is a 5 passenger-carrying vehicle.

The front seats of the car are pretty comfortable and roomy and give a relaxed feel with easy driving conditions. The back seat is neither the largest nor the smallest of the cars in this diverse, small-crossover class, but high seat bottoms in the back seat mean that passengers’ legs are fully supported and even long rides can be comfortable. With the refreshed iteration, the cabin now adorns a better and more upmarket look to suit buyers even looking for a vehicle in a segment above. 

The 2017 Jeep offers the best legroom in the segment, though its rear bench is a bit congested. The Subaru Crosstrek comes in second in terms of rear-seat legroom and headroom.When comparing the front row of the SUVs, Subaru offers the best in class headroom and legroom, whereas in the second row, Chevrolet takes the centerstage in both head- and legroom. Some standout interior features include:

• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Leather upholstery
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Heated front seats
• Power driver's seat
• Powered front passenger seat

2017 Jeep Compass SUV Infotainment

Jeep comes with Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system. It isn't the quickest or the most feasible system to use, but with the subsequent facilities, it turns out to be just an average interface and experience.

The smaller system is a 5.0-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get an 8.5-inch touchscreen. Some standout interior options are:

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (optional)
• AUX input
• USB input
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Navigation
• Real-time Traffic/Weather
• Voice Command

2017 Jeep Compass SUV Cargo Capacity

Managing and carving out space for the customers has been Jeep's forte for some time now, and they have not shied away with the Compass as well. Procuring a substantial volume, the vehicle offers enough space to carry 3 heavy suitcases easily. And when the seats are folded down, it liberates even more space.

Undoubtedly, the Jeep Compass leads this competition by a huge margin, thus making it a favorable car for family buyers or for the customers who are frequent with carrying an excess amount of luggage in their vehicles. The 2017 Compass offers an overall cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet. The closest competitor on the table is the Subaru Crosstrek with 51.9 cubic feet.

Jeep Compass is a subcompact SUV but it sure feels like a proper upmarket SUV with no subtleness in the way it holds, whatsoever. Some cheeky designs add to the charm of the car, which makes it even more likable. Although the design seems a bit simple and lackluster compared to its competitors. The redesigned SUV, however, commands a better stance and makes for an alluring and appealing proposition. 

Standing almost 65 inches high along with being 173 inches long and 74 inches wide, the Compass gives a compassionate look of an eager SUV. It is provided with 7.8 inches of ground clearance, which is considered to be adequate for a car of this segment. And having the longest wheelbase of the consideration, it offers the best space in the segment.

When put together, the Compass looks the biggest and is the heaviest of the competitors. Sporting the iconic seven-slot grille and a boxy, sculpted exterior, the Compass cannot be mistaken for anything but a Jeep. The brand has made this budget-friendly SUV look special with the use of an available two-tone paint scheme and a few quirky design details, including a bas-relief gecko molded into the lower edge of the windshield and a sea monster painted along the lower edge of the rear glass. Some standout exterior features are:

• Electric sunroof
• Body-colored door handles and side-view mirrors
• The dual-tone body paint scheme
• Projector Beam Halogen headlamps with auto on/off functionality
• DRLs (Day-Light Running Lamps)
• All LED Tail Lights
• Integrated Spoiler
• LED Fog Lamps
• Chrome covered exhaust pipe 

Jeep includes a plethora of safety features in the car, though the build quality and the design feel overall lacking in terms of solidness and finish. The IIHS has awarded the SUV as the “Top Safety Pick”, although only with the automatic emergency braking. The NHTSA is yet to evaluate the car. Some standout safety features include:

• 4-Wheel Disc Anti-Lock Brakes
• All Speed Traction Control
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Electronic Stability Control
• Engine Immobilizer
• Front Passenger Seat Belt Alert
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Motorized Pretensioning Seatbelts
• Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera
• Rain Brake Support
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Display

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i vs Jeep Compass

The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance set the stage for adventure. Acceleration is unhurried from a 148-hp 2.0-liter flat-four paired with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic. Even though being the more thrill-seeking option when compared to Compass, it still has a considerable price tag difference of about $2,500, plus the cargo hauling and drab interiors are not brilliantly executed.

Mazda CX-3 vs Jeep Compass

The CX-3 is a feisty runabout with a can-do attitude, offering taut handling and edgy styling. A 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic with front-wheel drive provide the adventure; all-wheel drive is optional. The CX-3 relies on its sport-tuned suspension and creative weight-saving measures to maintain Mazda's unique brand of driving pleasure.

Mazda CX-3 vs Chevrolet Trax

Despite a cool name, the Trax is an unadventurous choice in a segment with better-equipped alternatives. It offers a roomy cabin and is powered by a 138-hp turbo 1.4-liter inline-four with a six-speed automatic; take your pick of either front- or all-wheel drive. Steering feedback is okay, and the ride is smooth but tuned more for comfort rather than sport. Considering the price difference with Compass of about $2,000 and the sluggish interiors along with a lack of safety features, it fails to compete well with the same.

The 2017 Compass has sharp looks and all-terrain talent at an affordable base price. While it has a useful towing capacity, the lackluster transmission diminishes the puny powertrain. Still, the Jeep's comfortable cabin is available with an infotainment system, Uconnect, which is one of our favorites. Despite its flaws, the Compass satisfies those seeking the path less traveled.

Classified as the Baby-Cherokee, it certainly lives up to the brand and the elder sibling's name but just lacks the utter aggressiveness. So, if you're to invest in this particular segment and don't mind the sometimes-sloppy engine response, then this would be a definite standout choice for you.