Jeep’s all-new 2017 Compass is meant to further expand the brand’s global reach, aiming for consumers in more than 100 countries around the world.

Available in four different trim configurations (Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk), the 2017 Compass is said to deliver best-in-class off-road capability thanks to its two advanced 4×4 systems, each capable of sending 100% of available torque to any wheel.

These systems are the Jeep Active Drive (a full time 4×4 system) and the Active Drive Low system (class exclusive with 20:1 crawl ratio). Both of them include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system, which itself provides five modes of its own in Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, plus Rock mode.

In order to provide 4×4 models with better fuel economy, the 2017 Compass utilizes a disconnecting rear axle and power take-off unit (PTU). However, in case more traction is needed, the Active Drive and Active Drive Low systems can instantly engage.

“Our all-new 2017 Jeep Compass enters an extremely important and growing segment worldwide, and does so with an unmatched list of attributes that includes benchmark 4×4 off-road capability, exceptional on-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient powertrains, countless advanced technology and safety features, all wrapped in a premium, authentic Jeep design,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep Brand. “Built around the world for customers everywhere, Jeep Compass raises the bar in the bar in the compact-SUV segment.”

On the road, the new Compass utilizes a fully independent suspension to go along with its electric power steering and segment-exclusive Koni frequency damping front & rear strut system – all for achieving superior driving dynamics. Now, while North American buyers will only get a 2.4-liter Tigershark four-pot with 180 HP and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque, in total there will be five engines (three petrol and two diesel) offered in markets throughout the world.

In terms of looks, the 2017 Compass features a wide exterior as well as something that Jeep calls “exceptional glass-to-wheel proportions”. It’s the traditional Jeep design cues however that let you know you’re looking at a Jeep. Other features include the seven-slot grille with Gloss Black cover for the individual chrome slots as well as the black outline for the headlight bezels. As for the rear, it features unique LED taillights integrated into the liftgate.

For the interior, aside from the available full-color 7″ display (the largest in the segment), Jeep have also added four all-new infotainment systems (Uconnect 5.0, 7.0, 8.4 and 8.4NAV), new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, SiriusXM Radio, Travel Link, Traffic and Guardian Connected Services.

Safety-wise, among its many active and passive safety features are the Forward Collision Warning-Plus system, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring & Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, ESC with electronic roll mitigation and 7 standard airbags.

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