All-new 2017 Jeep® Compass Combines Best-in-class 4x4 Systems With Advanced, Fuel-efficient Powertrains

November 17, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Built on four continents for markets across the globe, the all-new 2017 Jeep® Compass will be manufactured with a total of 17 powertrain combinations, depending on market.

In North America, the proven, fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine will power the Compass, with three available transmissions, including a segment-first nine-speed automatic.

True to the Jeep brand, the all-new 2017 Compass is the most capable compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV), with a pair of new, advanced full-time 4x4 systems.

“The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass provides customers what no other compact SUV can:  a combination of unmatched 4x4 capability with leading, advanced fuel-efficient powertrain options,” said Bob Lee, Vice President – Engine, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion, and Systems Engineering, FCA – North America. “Jeep Compass offers 17 powertrain combinations for markets across the globe, including the proven, fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark engine in North American markets.”

Go-anywhere Jeep capability
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass offers a choice of two innovative driveline systems for best-in-class 4x4 capability in all weather conditions. Its unique rear-axle electronic disconnect system delivers 4x2 levels of fuel-efficiency but instantly engages the 4x4 system without any driver interaction when traction is needed.

Both systems automatically and seamlessly switch between 4x2 and 4x4 for full-time torque management and optimal traction when required:

Jeep Active Drive
Enabled by an innovative power-transfer unit (PTU), Jeep Active Drive is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive, and at any speed. This system requires no driver intervention, delivers yaw correction during dynamic events and improves both understeer and oversteer conditions. Jeep Active Drive can provide up to 1,475 lb.-ft. (2,000 N•m) of the engine’s available torque to the rear wheels, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions. A fully variable wet clutch housed in the rear-drive module utilizes the Jeep brand’s proprietary algorithms to provide the proper amount of torque for any driving condition, including low-traction surfaces, aggressive starts and dynamic driving.

Jeep Active Drive Low
Providing the all-new Jeep Compass Trailhawk with best-in-class off-road capability, Jeep Active Drive Low builds on the Jeep Active Drive system and affords a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range for 4x4 Trail Rated capability, including the exclusive five-mode Jeep Selec-Terrain system for best-in-class off-road performance and Selec-Speed Control with Hill-descent Control.

Jeep Selec-Terrain system
Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low feature the brand’s Selec-Terrain traction-control system. Selec-Terrain allows the driver to dial in the desired on- or off-road setting for optimum performance.

Up to five customized settings are offered: Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes, and exclusively on the Trailhawk model, Rock mode. For even greater Trail Rated off-road capability, Selec-Terrain includes Selec-Speed Control with Hill-descent Control.

Selec-Terrain is designed to optimize the four-wheel-drive systems for unsurpassed control and capability. Selec-Terrain electronically coordinates and optimizes up to 12 systems on any terrain providing enhanced vehicle control, including: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, electronic stability control (ESC), transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control (Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control).

Auto:

• Standard Drive mode
• Standard electronic brake controls
• Automatically detects need for four-wheel-drive engagement
• Front-to-rear torque split is fully active and variable depending on the driving conditions

Snow:

• Second-gear launch
• For use in inclement weather
• Slick surface electronic brake controls
• Full-time four-wheel drive
• Allows for a target front-to-rear torque split of up to 60/40 percent

Sand/Mud:

• For enhanced driver control in off-road conditions
• Off-road electronic brake controls
• Full-time four-wheel drive
• Allows for a front/rear torque split of up to 100 percent rear

Rock (available with Jeep Active Drive Low):

• For use on obstacles
• Off-road electronic brake controls with increased brake lock differential capacity
• Available in 4-Low only
• Allows for a front/rear torque split of up to 100 percent rear

 
In addition, the ESC system will change mode in coordination with the Selec-Terrain mode chosen:

• ESC remains full on with Auto and Snow modes
• ESC is off when in 4-Low
• ESC is in Partial mode for Sport, and Sand/Mud modes
• Partial mode means aid from traction control and stability control are reduced, but anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic roll mitigation remain fully enabled

Engine offerings
A total of five engines – three gasoline and two diesel – will be offered, depending on the market worldwide. In North America, the proven, fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine will power the all-new 2017 Compass, delivering best-in-class 4x4 highway fuel economy of 31 mpg when paired with the six-speed manual transmission.

2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2
Efficiency and refinement also are hallmarks of the FCA 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine with the MultiAir2 electro-hydraulic, fully variable valve-actuation system. The advanced technology engine produces 180 horsepower, 175 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to the choice of three transmissions in North America:

• Class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission for 4x4 models
• Six-speed manual transmission for 4x2 and 4x4 Compass models
• Six-speed automatic transmission for 4x2 Compass models

MultiAir technology, which is exclusive to FCA US in the North American market, uses a column of oil in place of the traditional mechanical link between the camshaft and intake valves. The resulting precision maximizes intake manifold pressure, significantly reducing pumping losses.

MultiAir2 takes the innovation further by simultaneously controlling both valve opening and closing events to more effectively manage combustion quality. This ensures the appropriate, effective compression ratio and efficient internal exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) for improved fuel economy.

Refinement was a key consideration in the design of every Tigershark component, from its fully isolated aluminum head cover with integrated oil-separation system, to its high-pressure, die-cast aluminum block.

Sandwiched between the block and the steel oil pan is a lightweight, aluminum ladder-frame with integral oil filter and oil-cooler adapter. This lends additional structural rigidity.

The oil pan itself boasts refinement – multi-layer steel construction with an acoustic damping material sandwich layer.

The Tigershark’s polymer-coated piston skirts and tighter piston-to-bore tolerances contribute to reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The cast-aluminum piston, combustion chamber and ports align with the MultiAir2 system for optimal combustion and fuel economy.

Cast-aluminum pistons with a compression ratio of 10:1 are designed specifically for the engine and MultiAir system.

Each bore is fitted with individual oil-squirters in the block that spray oil on the bottom of the pistons and bore walls to maintain cylinder-wall and piston temperatures. This feature also helps prevent hot spots that could lead to knock, while improving performance and fuel economy.

Fitted to the forged-steel crankshaft are powder-forged-steel connecting rods, which feature a full-floating piston pin with diamond-like carbon coating. This further reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency.

Vibration is minimized with the use of a balance shaft module. And to maintain adequate oiling at all engine speeds, the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark features a two-stage oil-pressure relief system, which reduces engine-oil pumping loads at low engine speeds for better fuel efficiency.

Other key features of the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine include:

• A 360-degree engine-to-transmission attachment
• Coil-on-plug ignition with dual precious-metal spark plugs
• Front-end accessory drive with automatic tensioning single-belt drive
• Reduced operating costs because its cam drive, cam-phasing and valve-train components require no scheduled maintenance

Class-exclusive nine-speed transmission
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass is the only compact SUV to offer a nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling the vehicle to optimize engine output and enable aggressive launches and smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds. The nine-speed transmission is standard on all Jeep Compass 4x4 models.

As in the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Renegade, the Compass’ nine-speed gearbox provides a more responsive driving experience. Customers will appreciate aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and improved fuel efficiency versus a six-speed automatic transmission.

A unique set of four overdrive ratios improve highway fuel economy and reduce overall NVH levels.

The fully electronic, nine-speed automatic transmission features the on-the-fly shift-map changing with Auto Stick manual shift capability.

The sophisticated transmission software relies on many input parameters to determine the appropriate driving conditions and adjusts shift pattern in response to these driving conditions to offer the best possible fuel economy, emissions and drivability balance. The result is automatic shifting ideally attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.

The new transmission’s gear ratios afford the right response at the right time, from aggressive launches to smooth power delivery at highway speeds, a product of smaller ratio steps between the gears. The ratios are:

1st – 4.71 
2nd – 2.84 
3rd – 1.91
4th – 1.38 
5th – 1.00 
6th – 0.81
7th – 0.70
8th – 0.58
9th – 0.48
Rev – 3.81

The Jeep Compass’ nine-speed transmission provides a more responsive driving experience with quicker acceleration and smoother shifting. The wide ratio spread delivers an aggressive first gear ratio of 4.71 for low-end performance and small gear ratio steps, which provide smooth transitions for gear-to-gear while offering a unique set of four overdrive ratios to benefit highway fuel economy and reduce overall NVH levels.

Gear changes are nearly imperceptible due to the evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio. Internally the transmission has four gear sets and six shift elements – multi-disc clutches, dog clutches and brake clutches. Reduced drag losses with three of six clutches open in any gear equates to improved fuel efficiency.

But a Jeep SUV isn’t a Jeep SUV unless it delivers superior off-road performance. Uniquely suited to the requirements of the Compass Trailhawk model, the nine-speed automatic transmission accommodates a 20:1 crawl ratio setting. The Trail Rated 4x4 rock-crawl ratio is enabled by a 4.71:1 first gear ratio coupled with a 4.334:1 final drive to deliver its class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio.

Proven, fun-to-drive six-speed manual transmission
All-new 2017 Jeep Compass 4x2 models are equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission. This proven transmission features a 6.68 ratio spread and a 4.438 final-drive ratio for fuel efficiency at faster speeds. And thanks to its first-gear launch ratio of 18.4:1, the gearbox delivers quick acceleration with smooth, precise shift quality. A tubular intermediate shaft with equal-length half shafts helps mitigate unwanted torque steer.

Six-speed automatic transmission
Available on Jeep Compass Sport, Latitude and Limited 4x2 models, the Gen III six-speed automatic transmission features a 6.635 ratio spread and a 3.502 final-drive ratio for a responsive, enjoyable drive.

This transmission is efficient, light weight and has integrated electro-magnetic oil pump for seamless start-stop operation. The ratios are:
1st – 4.459
2nd – 2.508
3rd – 1.556
4th – 1.142
5th – 0.852
6th – 0.672
 
Global powertrain options
Worldwide customers have the choice of three gasoline-powered engines and two diesel-powered engines in the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass.

Gas-powered:

• 1.4-liter FIRE MultiAir2 turbocharged engine with the choice of:
  • Six-speed manual (4x2 models)
  • Six-speed DDCT (4x2 models)
  • Seven-speed DDCT (China market)
  • Class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission (4x4 models)
• 2.0-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine mated to either:
  • Six-speed automatic (4x2 models)
  • Nine-speed automatic transmission (4x4 models)
• 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine mated to the choice of:
  • Six-speed manual (4x2, 4x4 models)
  • Six-speed automatic (4x2 models)
  • Nine-speed automatic transmission (4x4 models)

Diesel-powered:

• 1.6-liter MultiJet mated to the six-speed manual transmission (4x2 models)
• 2.0-liter Multijet with the choice of the six-speed manual (4x2, 4x4 models) or nine-speed automatic transmission (4x4 models)

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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