At any time of the year, New England is ripe for opportunities to get out there and enjoy nature as well as city life. If you need a car that can maneuver in Boston traffic as easily as it can take to the winding roads of the Berkshires, you may want to look to the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass.

The newly redesigned Compass bests its predecessor – and the competition – in more ways than one. With off-road capability, the latest in tech, and fully updated styling, it’s everything you’ve come to expect from Jeep. Check out our full review for all the details:

Performance

The Compass comes in four trims: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited. All models have a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that makes 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Each trim is available with all-wheel drive (with 9-speed automatic transmission) or front-wheel drive (with 6-speed automatic transmission), while a 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport and optional on the Latitude 4WD.

The Jeep Active Drive 4X4 system features a rear axle disconnect for a seamless transition between two- and four-wheel drive to help you save fuel. The Selec-Terrain Traction Control System lets you handle roads in any weather condition, with modes for Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk also features Jeep Active Drive Low, which adds a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range to the Active Drive System, giving the model Trail Rated capabilities.

Entertainment

The Compass Sport has a standard Uconnect 5.0 system with 5-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, Voice Command, Hands-Free Calling, and Voice Text Reply. Uconnect 7.0 adds a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Sirius XM Radio, Hands-Free Calling, and Voice Recognition. Finally, the Uconnect 8.4 NAV has an 8.4-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, Sirius XM Travel Link, and Siri Eyes free, in addition to all other Uconnect features.

Styling and Interior

The all-new Compass has been redesigned to resemble the Grand Cherokee, a favorite among Newton drivers. With a signature seven-slot grille, boxed wheel wells, and available LED lighting, it’s a far cry from the Compass of yesteryear. You have the option for styling accents like a racing stripe, as well as 19-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels in Gloss Black for a premium look, though even the base model is a stand-out on the road.

Inside, you have the option for leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and dual-panel sunroof for a luxurious feel. Additionally, the Compass has an adjustable cargo floor for easy loading and stowing, as well as folding seats and power liftgate for easy reconfigurability when you need it.

Safety

The 2017 Compass has available LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Parkview Rear Backup Camera, Parksense Rear Park Assist System, and Rear Cross Path Detection. Additionally, Keyless Enter n' Go with Passive entry means you're never searching for your keys in the rain, while rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights do the work for you when the rain starts to fall.

Pricing

Starting at $19,940 MSRP

Category: Review
Tags: 2017 Compass, compact SUV, review