2017 Jeep Compass Ride, Handling and Off-road
The Compass gets Frequency Selective Dampers as part of its suspension setup. These give the Jeep brilliant ride quality. It makes short work of everything that comes in its path and we can say that the ride feels one of the best around. There is no juddering or bounciness felt at all. Straight line stability is fantastic and there is hardly any body roll felt. The Compass doesn’t get nervous going into corners and will take on them with glee. The steering feels direct and has a good feel considering it’s an electric unit. The Firestone tyres provide adequate grip and braking is confidence inspiring too.
The Compass gets the Selec-Terrain all wheel drive system that comes with four modes. Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud. Drive is via the front wheels by default with the rear wheels getting power when traction is needed. It does not get a low range gearbox, but you do get 4WD lock which you can activate in extreme conditions. The Compass is extremely capable in off-road conditions, and while it cannot match up to the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee directly, what it can do left us pleasantly surprised. After putting it through steep inclines, declines, mud, rocky terrain and water wading obstacles, we can say that the Compass is surely worthy of wearing the Jeep badge.
Safety features in this Limited trim model include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Control, All Speed traction Control and Electronic Roll Migration.
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