Often times, you’ll read about segments of the American car
market and how they’re sliced up in this column. You’ll find out who competes
with who in the decades-old shooting match between segment leaders and new
arrivals looking to stake their claim. The full-sized truck segment of the
American market lends itself more to this type of analysis than others. It is arguably the most competitive and
certainly the subject of much study and even more pride.
It’s not due to a lack of willpower, but there is something
that trucks don’t do bigger and better than everyone else: sales volume. No, the
goliath truck segment comes in second to a wily foe that prefers versatility to
brute force….a versatility that no amount of spray-in bed liner can afford its
truck and a range of platforms not bound by the words “crew cab” or “extended
bed.” I’m talking about the compact SUV
segment that comfortably outsold the truck segment in Q1 of 2017. Moreover,
they outsold their own 2016 numbers in Q1 by an astonishing 9%. In light of
these numbers, and while FCA Group continues to tout its RAMs, it’s no surprise
that the Jeep brand, its own cousin under the FCA umbrella, has a renewed focus
on expanding its relative success in the segment.
This year, Jeep combines their tradition of rugged appeal with
modern touches to create the 2017 Jeep Compass. As Compact SUVs have grown more
popular, it’s clear that Jeep seeks to open up this vehicle to a wider range of
potential buyers, perhaps attracting graduates of more basic mid-sized
vehicles. As tastes become more discerning and focus shifts to premium
features, the Compass aims to find that middle ground between compact SUV
drivers and would-be luxury car owners. Don’t get me wrong, the Compass
maintains its entry-level appeal with base models featuring a back-up camera
and phone-syncing 5” touch screen starting at $20,995; but there are two
variants of the Compass that exceed the ruthless practicality beloved by
compact SUVs—The Jeep Compass Limited and the Jeep Compass Trailhawk.
While these surge past the low $20,000s, it’s easy to see
why. Both feature a two-tone paint job with a black roof, giving the Limited
and Trailhawk an exclusive aesthetic, especially when paired with the optional
19” Polished Aluminum with black paint accents. Both also feature exclusive
interiors: the Limited with two-tone
perforated, ventilated leather and the Trailhawk with red stitching and
optional suede. Navigation suites also improve the infotainment on the dash,
making room for the 8.4” touch screen and featuring a brand new operating
system for Jeep. The operating system is easy to use, easy to sync, and
visually appealing with its hexagonal design language. The available panoramic
sunroof is hard to describe. It creates an almost ineffable sense of ease when
you enter the Jeep Compass. While a sunroof may seem trivial, it adds quality
to the vehicle not measured in horsepower or dollars nor even inches of
headroom. It creates headspace, a portal to epiphany, freedom of thought and a
view of infinity.
The 2017 Jeep Compass aims to go even further beyond
segment-defining practicality in pursuit of loftier goals. It exudes
spontaneity, it wants to wake us up and revive our sense of adventure. And
adventure is exactly what the Trialhawk is designed to do. It has increased
ground clearance and underbody skid plates. Unique front and rear facias also
improve the Trailhawk’s obstacle approach and departure angles. These features
pair with the Selec-Terrain traction control system and Active Drive Low 4x4
System to earn the 2017 Compass Trailhawk best-in-class off-road capability
bragging rights.
In true compact SUV form, Jeep has found a way to appeal to
nearly everyone, but few do it with the grace of the 2017 Jeep Compass. Its
trim levels flow from practical to practically lavish and its premium features
are balanced with aesthetic upgrades so they don’t seem out of place. It is
also well timed, with its exterior redesign introduced simultaneously with the
new infotainment technology. Whether adventure seeker or city dweller, nature
dreamer or overland warrior, the Compass is a formidable companion.
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