The 2017 Jeep New Compass 4WD with the 2.4L four-cylinder achieves a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG, an acceptable figure for a compact SUV designed to balance everyday practicality with off-road capability. This isn’t just about fuel efficiency, it’s a Jeep designed for drivers who prioritize adventure and all-weather capability, even if it means a slight compromise at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Compass 4WD at 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect stop-and-go traffic and consistent cruising speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission plays an important role here, offering a wide range of ratios that allow the engine to operate efficiently across driving conditions. While 22 MPG city might not win any awards, it’s adequate for urban errands and commutes. The 30 MPG highway figure is more important for those weekend getaways and road trips that define the Jeep lifestyle. Remember that aggressive driving, especially off-road, will significantly impact these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Jeep New Compass 4WD is exactly $1,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a fuel price that reflects the national average at the time of calculation. Your individual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and fluctuations in gasoline prices. However, $1,750 provides a benchmark for budgeting and comparing fuel costs with other vehicles. This EPA number is often used for vehicle comparisons and is calculated using a blend of city and highway driving percentages.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers engaging in frequent off-road excursions, using four-wheel drive extensively, or driving primarily in hilly terrain will likely see figures lower than the EPA estimates. Conversely, drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration, maintain consistent speeds, and minimize idling may achieve slightly better fuel economy. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and the weight of cargo carried can influence fuel consumption.

Owners can consult online forums and fuel tracking apps to gauge typical real-world MPG reported by other New Compass drivers. You can also find all Jeep fuel economy data on our site.

How it compares

The 2017 Jeep New Compass 4WD’s fuel economy places it in a competitive, although not class-leading, position. A similarly equipped Honda CR-V with all-wheel drive achieves 27 MPG combined, while a Toyota RAV4 AWD manages around 25 MPG combined. The Subaru Crosstrek, known for its standard all-wheel drive, boasts a slightly higher combined MPG of 29. These competitors often lack the Jeep’s rugged appeal and off-road capability. A base-model Mazda CX-5 with front-wheel drive may offer a slightly better 28 MPG combined, but it forgoes the all-weather confidence of the Jeep. Consider if the Jeep’s benefits are worth the MPG compromise.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize weight. The less weight the engine has to move, the less fuel it will consume. Remove unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment. Hauling around extra weight, even seemingly insignificant items, adds up over time and impacts fuel economy, especially for a vehicle that may already be weighed down with off-road equipment.

Check your tire pressure. Inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel economy. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure. Regularly check and maintain the correct pressure, as even a few PSI below the recommendation can negatively influence fuel consumption.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. Rapid acceleration burns more fuel than gradual acceleration. Anticipate traffic flow and adjust your speed accordingly to minimize the need for hard stops and sudden bursts of speed. The Compass isn’t a sports car; embrace a more relaxed driving style to save fuel.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you anticipate waiting for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, making it more economical to turn them off than to let them idle unnecessarily, especially in urban settings. This is still important for the Jeep driver who may spend time stopped on the trail.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible. Maintaining a consistent speed improves fuel economy. Cruise control helps to prevent unintentional speeding and fluctuating speeds, which can negatively affect fuel consumption, especially over long distances. Of course, consider NEW MPG across all years, not just 2017, if MPG is critical.