Press Kit: All-new 2017 Jeep Compass

Auburn Hills, Mich. November 17, 2016 - Designed and engineered to deliver legendary benchmark 4x4 capability, the all-new 2017 Jeep® Compass raises the bar in the compact SUV segment. Utilizing FCA’s “small-wide architecture” and featuring a fully-independent suspension, Compass delivers best-in-class off-road capability, with world-class on-road driving dynamics and passenger safety.

“First and foremost, the all-new Compass is an authentic Jeep SUV delivering class-leading off-road capability,” said Art Anderson, Vehicle Line Executive — FCA US LLC. “Our new 2017 Jeep Compass also delivers a world-class on-road driving experience in all weather conditions for a true ‘no compromise’ compact SUV.”

Designed and engineered in the United States, the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass is a global vehicle that will be manufactured on four continents and sold in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Global coordination of Jeep engineering and design with multiple markets and manufacturing locations during the development phase was key in the design and engineering of the new Jeep Compass.

Small-wide 4x4 architecture is the foundation for renowned Jeep capability
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass’ modular architecture means many models can be built using the same basic underpinnings. The result is better quality and reliability, less development time and improved tooling. The 2017 Jeep Compass architecture is comprised of common, modular and interchangeable components, and allows for modularity of the wheelbase, front track, rear track, front overhang, and length and width across vehicle lines. The Jeep Renegade also utilizes this architecture, but the Compass was lengthened 2.6 inches.
 
Designed for Trail Rated adventures as well as peace of mind
With extensive use of advanced steels, composites and advanced computer-impact simulations, the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass architecture delivers exceptional torsional stiffness for optimum control of body geometry. The architecture enables the Jeep Compass to deliver off-road durability and up to 8.2 inches of rear wheel articulation and 8.5 inches of ground clearance – all while feeling tighter and stiffer, with an added sense of confidence and control during high-speed, on-road maneuvers.

Rigid body structure
The 2017 Jeep Compass features a unibody structure based on the small-wide 4x4 architecture, with the upper body structure and frame engineered as a single unit for a stiff and more mass-efficient structure.

Jeep Compass’ rigid foundation can be credited to the extensive use of high-strength steel and liberal use of structural adhesives. This new compact SUV utilizes more than 65 percent high-strength steel for maximizing vehicle dynamics and crash performance while optimizing weight efficiency.

Enhanced chassis-to-body structure interfaces, including suspension brackets and cradle attachments, are designed to ensure high stiffness at those points and minimize low-frequency noise into the cabin. Additionally, this rigid body structure enabled engineers to dial-in the all-new Compass’ chassis tuning. The overall result is Jeep Compass’ solid, confident and refined feel on the road or trail.

For additional weight and strength optimization, Jeep Compass features front and rear steel crossmembers and aluminum knuckles on 4x4 models.

Go anywhere Jeep capability with premium on-road performance
To deliver best-in-class off-road performance combined with the on-road dynamics and comfort expected in a world-class compact SUV, the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass features a MacPherson front-suspension design with exceptional rigidity for up to 6.7 inches of articulation, increased cornering performance and reduced weight. A specially designed front cross member serves two roles by providing rigidity to achieve greater acoustic comfort and to integrate a third-load line to improve energy absorption in the event of a crash. A new innovation is the adoption of a “split” type shock absorber mounting that transmits road vibrations to the body structure through two different routes for improved acoustics and better efficiency of the shock absorber.

Designed to dampen unwanted harshness into the cabin and help handle the driveline’s torque, the Compass’ architecture features an isolated rear cradle. Additionally, the rear cradle provides the attachment points for the all-new Jeep Compass’ lightweight Chapman suspension design’s two lateral links and half-shafts. With its high-mounted strut-type shock absorbers and coil springs, this rear suspension design enables the Compass to maximize spring rates, improve its roll-steer for on-road performance and offer up to 8.2 inches of rear-wheel articulation for off-road adventures.

Premium frequency selective damping system
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass integrates the frequency selective damping (FSD) front and rear strut system. This damping system enables the Compass to deliver world-class road-holding and handling characteristics. In addition, the FSD system actively filters out high-frequency suspension inputs from uneven road surfaces and adjusts for comfort and smoothness while maintaining excellent ride control.

Advanced electric power steering system
The 2017 Jeep Compass features precise steering, thanks to its electric power steering (EPS) and driving steering torque (DST) systems, which improves both handling and performance.

The all-new Jeep Compass features an advanced steering-column-mounted EPS system. The vehicle utilizes the latest EPS system technology available, which delivers sporty handling by managing significant loads at all steering wheel operating speeds and power assist curves modulated according to driving conditions. All of the power boost, or assist, is provided via an electric motor. Because the system is fully electronic, the driver experiences optimal steering effort at all vehicle speeds with improved fuel efficiency, since there is no parasitic loss from a power steering pump.

The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass’ DST system improves both driving safety and handling performance by actively carrying out corrections, and automatically controls over steer over surfaces with low grip in all driving conditions. Moreover, the steering system is fully integrated with the vehicle’s electronic stability control (ESC) system to help compensate in split-traction, torque steer and pull-drift (crowned road) situations.

Quiet interior environment
Engineers maximized the 2017 Jeep Compass’ structural design and tuned the interior environment for sound quality and sound level by isolating powertrain, wind and road noise.

The all-new Compass features a noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) package, which includes frame under glass door construction with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin. Combined, these design improvements provide the 2017 Jeep Compass with world-class interior sound quality.

Customer-focused vehicle development
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass was developed and engineered to exceed expectations for customer satisfaction, quality and reliability. Jeep Compass’ engineers used Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) to ensure the voice of the customer was captured during the vehicle development process. DFSS folds in voice of the customer data along with lessons learned to ensure every vehicle is of the highest quality possible.
 

Jeep Brand
Built on more than 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep® is the authentic SUV brand that delivers legendary off-road capability, interior refinement, high-tech features and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new 4x4. All Jeep brand vehicles in North America will offer an electrified variant by 2025.

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