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2017 Jeep Compass

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

Jeep Compass
Pictured: 2019 Jeep Compass Limited 2.4L, front 7.6.19. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine172–184 hp2.4L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

TrailhawkLongitude(BUX), North(Canada), Latitude(Mex, U.S.)LatitudeLimited

Safety & driver-assist features

Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD175.2 in71.3 in65 in103.5 in59.8 / 59.1 in3,261 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD175.2 in71.3 in65 in103.5 in59.8 / 59.8 in3,098 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
New Compass 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 32 / 26+7%$2,600339
Compass FWD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+3%$2,700353
Compass FWD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 25+3%$2,700347
New Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+10%$2,700358
New Compass 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+3%$2,700350
New Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+10%$2,700355
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 27 / 24+5%$2,800369
Compass FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 26 / 24-1%$2,800378
Compass FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23-5%$2,900382
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-4%$3,050400
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21-8%$3,200417
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.3 MPG2017 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★3★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%
2017 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★3★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2017 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Jeep Compass (this car)26 MPG★★★★★4
2017 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★7
2017 Hyundai Tucson28 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★1
2017 Mazda CX-527 MPG★★★★★1
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan22 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

229Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
28,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System84
Engine71
Unknown Or Other64
Power Train41
Service Brakes24
Steering16
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)12
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/09: 323/10: 323/11: 123/12: 124/01: 224/02: 424/05: 124/07: 124/09: 224/10: 124/12: 125/01: 125/02: 125/03: 125/04: 225/07: 125/08: 125/09: 225/12: 226/02: 326/03: 326/04: 126/05: 126/09: 123/0923/1224/0524/1025/0225/0725/1226/04max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 84 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 71 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Compass26173.2 inNot rated15
2025 Compass27173.2 in★★★★★029
2024 Compass27173.2 in★★★★★054
2023 Compass27173.2 inNot rated249
2022 Compass25173.2 in★★★★★4226
2021 Compass25173.2 in★★★★★081
2020 Compass26173.2 in★★★★★1143
2019 Compass26173.2 in★★★★★2331
2018 Compass26173.2 in★★★★★6947
2016 Compass25175.2 inNot rated1293
2015 Compass25175.2 inNot rated1113
2014 Compass25173.6 in★★★★★2283

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →