cars news 10: 6 Different Ways You Can Configure the 2017 Jeep Compass

With compact crossover sales showing significant global growth, the 2017 Jeep Compass is an important vehicle for the 75-year-old brand. The new model replaces the outgoing Compass and its Patriot platform mate, and is available in a variety of configurations. Here are some different ways you can configure the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass.

Drivetrain Choices

Globally, the 2017 Jeep Compass will be available with 17 different drivetrain combinations. In the U.S., the Compass will be available with one engine (a 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four with 180 hp and 174 lb-ft), three transmissions (six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or nine-speed automatic), and front-wheel-drive or two four-wheel-drive systems (“Active Drive” or “Active Drive Low”).

Four-Wheel-Drive Choices

Both four-wheel-drive systems are fully disconnecting, allowing the Compass to operate in front-drive mode to conserve fuel on clear roads. But the Active Drive Low system features an extremely low 20:1 creeper first gear ratio for hardcore off-road driving. The automaker’s Jeep Selec-Terrain system is standard on all four-wheel-drive models. Selec-Terrain features up to five drive modes: Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes, plus Rock mode on Trailhawk models.

Three Trim Options and the Trailhawk

The 2017 Jeep Compass is available in Sport, Latitude, and Limited trims. Another special trim, the off-road oriented Trailhawk, gets unique hardware including the Active Drive Low system, Rock Mode for the Selec-Terrain system, a 1-inch suspension lift kit that enables it to ford up to 19 inches of water, 17-inch wheels wrapped in 215/65/17 Falken Wildpeak H/T tires, front and rear tow hooks, and redesigned front and rear fascias for improved approach and departure angles.

Interior Choices

The crossover will be available in four interior design themes. Urbex is for urban explorers and features dark trim with tan and light “diesel” accents; Trailhawk features a black interior with red accents; Sand Surfing offers a sand color interior with black accents; and Alpine features a ski gray interior with black and red accents.

Infotainment Choices

The Compass offers a choice of a 3.5-inch or 7.0-inch instrument cluster, as well as three different Uconnect screens. These include 5.0-, 7.0-, and 8.4-inch touchscreens with pinch and zoom functions. Other infotainment features include Beats Audio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Active Safety Tech Options

In addition to features such as an electric parking brake, sunroof, and power liftgate, the 2017 Compass is available with more than 70 security and safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure assist, and parallel and perpendicular parking assist.

Bonus: Full-Size Spare Tire Option

The 2017 Jeep Compass is available with a full-size spare tire that sits underneath the rear cargo area. The adjustable height cargo floor also sits flush with the rear bumper and the back of the lowered seat backs.