The Compass is sort of a crossover SUV, smaller than a Cherokee, but larger than the previous Patriot. The all new Compass is available in 2WD or 4WD. In Addition, it is available in some countries as a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder diesel (around 171 bhp). With a 6-speed manual transmission, a 2.4L engine, with around 180 bhp, and a 9-speed automatic...

The 2017 Jeep Compass certainly isn’t the off-road beast a JK Wrangler is. Nor is it the large luxury flagship for Jeep, the Grand Cherokee. So where does this medium sized Jeep fit into a Jeeper’s life?

It’s clearly a Jeep, and even the body itself looks much like it’s Cherokee and Grand Cherokee cousins. It does have some plastic accents along the body’s bottom edges (for looks? Or are they cheap protection while trailing?).

The Compass is sort of a crossover SUV almost, as it’s smaller than a Cherokee but larger than the previous Patriot. Power for the all new Compass is available in some countries as a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder diesel (around 171 bhp). With a 6-speed manual transmission, it should be able to manage both on-road and off-road excursions. The domestic Compass’ can have a 2.4L engine, with around 180 bhp, and a 9-speed automatic.

Since both are a 4-cylinder engine, a manual transmission might be your best bet for any off-road driving. A 4-cylinder can sometimes be sorely lacking in the torque department. A manual transmission will give you better power control.

As with all other Jeeps, the Compass is available in 2WD or 4WD. There are various models, including Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. For normal everyday driving, the Compass is nimble and comfortable. The driver’s seat has a four-way lumbar support. Heated seats are an option on some models.

Of course, the Compass has plenty of electronics to keep any geek busy while driving. Including the Uconnect touch screen information center, which is available in different screen sizes. Optional are blind spot warning, lane departure warning systems, forward collision warnings, and an auto emergency braking system. Satellite radio is possible too, but all these extras come at a hefty cost.

If someone wanted to start with a Jeep that is versatile for everyday life, and they don’t plan on adding too many radical mods, the Compass could fit that bill. It's easily recognizable as a Jeep, it has four doors, and enough ground clearance to at least get you off-road on some mild trails to your favorite lake or fishing spot. It’s also one of the less expensive Jeeps, running around $ 23,000 at a base level. With its compact size, it should also give you at least a decent MPG you can live with.

The 2017 Compass is all new from previous Compass models, so it's worth checking out.