2017 Jeep Compass: Which variant should you buy?

Jeep had launched its Compass at with an aggressive price tag, five variant levels and two engine options. The 2.0-litre diesel-engine Compass is available in Sport, Longitude, Longitude (O), Limited and Limited (O), while the 1.4-litre petrol version comes in Sport, Limited and Limited (O) trims.

The diesel engine is a four-cylinder, turbocharged unit, putting out 173hp and 350Nm of peak torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel drive is an optional extra on the higher-spec diesel. The petrol mill churns out 163hp and 250Nm of torque, and comes paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

While there are a total of eight options to choose from, the diesel-engine model to go for is the Longitude (O) variant that is Rs 1.86 lakh more than the base (diesel) Sport trim. While it is a mid-spec trim, the Longitude (O) comes with features like a 7.0-inch infotainment system (U-Connect) with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear arm rests, reverse parking sensors, push-button start with keyless entry and go, traction control, ESC, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, cornering front fog lamps and rear fog lamps.

For a big price premium of Rs 83,000, the higher-spec Limited 4x2 diesel additionally gets only a few key features like a reverse parking camera and LED tail-lamps. Hence, this variant doesn’t really spell value.

However, if you’d prefer a petrol engine, then the variant to choose is the Limited 4x2, which is priced at Rs 18.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), as it comes with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all the equipment mentioned above. What the Limited (O) has over the Limited variant are high-intensity discharge headlamps and contrast-black roof for a price premium of approximately Rs 72,000.

The Jeep, with its high ground clearance and all-season tyres, is fairly capable to tackle rough terrains, even in two-wheel-drive spec. However, if price is no object, and if you want a four-wheel-drive, then the diesel-engined Limited 4x4 is the one to buy at Rs 20.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Not only do you get side and curtain airbags, but you also get Jeep’s Selec-Terrain all-wheel-drive system that gives this Compass the go-anywhere ability.

The Jeep Compass is a tough-as-nails SUV tha3t truly carries forward Jeep’s off-road DNA. It’s well-built, has a good amount of features and what’s more is that it’s priced very competitively compared to rivals like the Mahindra XUV500 (Rs 12.65-17.67 lakh), the Hyundai Tucson (Rs 17.99-25.19 lakh) and the Honda CR-V (Rs 24.07-26.49 lakh).