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Boy is Jeep proud of its 2017 Jeep Compass. The superlatives from the press office are flying thick and fast, and really, who can blame them. Jeep, after all, did invent the entire idea of the Sport Utility Vehicle.
Still, the press release headline is hysterically over written: “An All-new Global Compact SUV Delivering Unsurpassed 4×4 Capability, World-class On-road Driving Dynamics, Advanced Fuel-efficient Powertrains, and Premium Styling.”
Yes, the Jeep Compass is solid, but don’t try and over-sell it before we even get to find out why it’s such a good little off-roader.
Road Warrior
For example, there’s the Compass’ 4×4 drive system. Jeep says it’s the “most advanced,” and why doubt them" The 2017 Compass comes with two drive modes to choose from: Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. This is the proverbial high/low gearing mix that actually allows you to go off road, rather than just thinking you can go off road. A crossover looks like you can tackle a rock filled defile, a Jeep can actually drive up there – and usually with ease. Jeep says the Compass’ ?small wide 4×4 architecture? merges best-in-class abilities with exceptional on-road driving dynamics. Which is, again, a nice way of saying that even though this guy looks pretty square from above, it actually drives okay on highways and pavement in general.
The upper b...