2017 Jeep Compass
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 172–184 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 175.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,098–3,261 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Jeep Compass is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,261 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 7% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 229 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Compass →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toluca, State Of Mexico · Belvidere, Illinois
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Compass configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 175.2 in | 71.3 in | 65 in | 103.5 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,261 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 175.2 in | 71.3 in | 65 in | 103.5 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 3,098 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 339 |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 353 |
| Compass FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 347 |
| New Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +10% | $2,700 | 358 |
| New Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 350 |
| New Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +10% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +5% | $2,800 | 369 |
| Compass FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 26 / 24 | -1% | $2,800 | 378 |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -5% | $2,900 | 382 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -4% | $3,050 | 400 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | -8% | $3,200 | 417 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 3★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
| 2017 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 3★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |


Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Compass (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Equipment · Dec 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
- Risk
- If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Nov 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V740000 · 25,823 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jul 7, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V433000 · 12,989 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles. The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the battery terminals are reversed in the battery terminal graphic.
- Risk
- If a customer follows the User's Guide, they may hook up the battery jumper cables incorrectly, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners and will replace the User's Guides with a corrected version, free of charge. The recall began August 22, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T46.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · May 9, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V301000 · 4,705 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.
- Risk
- If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T26.
Not every 2017 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 84 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 71 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Jeep Compass. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Compass years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 29 |
| 2024 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 54 |
| 2023 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 49 |
| 2022 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 226 |
| 2021 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 143 |
| 2019 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 331 |
| 2018 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 947 |
| 2016 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 293 |
| 2015 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 113 |
| 2014 Compass | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →