Is the Jeep Compass Four-Wheel drive?

When you’re on the prowl for a new ride, it can be challenging to narrow down the seemingly endless options to just one. But it becomes easier when you set your sights on a specific type of car, such as a Jeep. Jeep has a long and storied history, with its roots tracing back to 1941 when the automaker’s first vehicles were primarily used for military purposes. This eventually led to the production of its first four-door SUV, which took the industry by storm and pioneered a new era of SUVs.

Ever since, drivers have considered Jeep a trusted brand when it comes to sturdy, reliable vehicles that can handle various terrains. The Jeep Compass is a perfect example of this. It’s the ideal family SUV, with its classic Jeep style and capability on and off-road. But what about when it comes to the all-important question every driver wants an answer to when considering an SUV: Is it a four-wheel drive? The answer for the Compass is a resounding “yes.”

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Whether you’re looking for a car that can handle the back roads of your hometown or you want to hit the trail to explore off the beaten path, the Compass has you covered. Here’s an in-depth look at the Compass’s four-wheel drive capabilities and its best trims for off-roading. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride.

Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and Four-Wheel Drive Explained

Most vehicles come standard with front-wheel drive. This means the car’s power is focused on the front tires, allowing for easier handling and maneuverability. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) system distributes power to all four tires at varying intervals to enhance traction. This feature can be beneficial when driving in uneven, slippery, or otherwise challenging road conditions.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) provides equal amounts of power to all four wheels simultaneously. This is critical in severe weather and off-roading scenarios, where maximum traction is paramount. The average driver may only occasionally need AWD for bad weather conditions. Still, if you regularly engage in off-roading or travel through harsh terrain and extreme weather, you’ll need 4WD capabilities.

Is the Jeep Compass a Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle?

Yes, the 2023 Jeep Compass is an all-around 4WD vehicle, offering drivers unmatched off-road capability. Every trim has the power and traction to enhance your off-road experiences. AWD is also standard across all trims, making this an ideal car for any terrain. Whether navigating a muddy trail, climbing up rocky terrain, or taking on dunes and snow-covered roads, the Jeep Compass is ready to tackle it all.

How Do You Initiate 4WD in a Jeep Compass?

If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors and want your Jeep Compass to make it up those trails, you’ll need to know how to engage the 4WD system. With its easy-to-use switch or button system, engaging 4WD in your Compass is a breeze. Here are the steps to activate it:

• Stop the Jeep: Park your Compass on a flat surface and shift the gear to neutral. This will help the 4WD properly engage and prevent any transmission issues.
• Flip or push the switch/button: Depending on the model, flip a switch or press a button on your Compass. Once you’ve done this, a light should appear to confirm the mode you’ve set. You should also notice a difference in how your Compass handles and sounds as it moves slower than usual.
• 4WD Low: Some Compass models have a 4WD Low option, ideal for driving on muddy or slick surfaces. Press the 4WD Low button to engage this mode until it stops flashing.
• Shift to drive: Once the four-wheel-drive system is engaged, you can put your Compass in drive and get going. If you experience difficulty starting, shift to park before returning to drive, and you’ll be on your way.

What Are the Best Jeep Compass Trims for Off-Roading?

If you want to take your Compass off-roading, you’ll want to use a trim designed for optimal performance in rough terrain. The Trailhawk is the best Jeep Compass trim for off-roading. It offers top-of-the-line, competent 4WD capabilities and features a Selec-Terrain traction management system for superior traction control.

It also offers Active Drive Low, which adds a 20:1 crawl ratio and three modes — Active, Snow, and Sand/Mud — plus a Rock mode for extreme terrain. In addition, you have access to hill-descent control and an electronic differential that transfers torque to the wheel still on the ground. Hill-descent control activates at hills steeper than eight degrees for even safer downhill journeys, while skid plates protect the underside from sharp rocks, stumps, and other debris.

Other trims, such as the Latitude, Limited, and Latitude LUX, are equipped with Jeep’s 4WD Active Drive and Selec-Terrain traction management system, making these models capable of off-roading in milder terrain. The 4WD Active Drive is a more basic system than the Trailhawk’s but still offers excellent traction control and torque transfer. The base Jeep Active Drive system is more geared toward handling inclement weather than boosting off-road performance.

Drivers looking for less extreme performance can still find good capabilities with the Latitude, Limited, and Latitude LUX trims. Ultimately, the trim level you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences, but no matter which Jeep Compass trim you opt for, you’ll be getting a great off-roading experience.

Explore the Great Outdoors With the New Jeep Compass From Bill Volz Westchester

When it comes to off-roading, the Jeep Compass is ready for whatever you throw at it. With its all-around 4WD capabilities, you can explore the great outdoors with ease. Visit Bill Volz Westchester in the Cortlandt, New York, area to check out the latest Compass models and find one that best suits your off-roading needs. For the budget-minded, we even offer a selection of pre-owned models and attractive financing options that make it easy to get the Jeep Compass of your dreams.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us to schedule a test drive and take your off-roading adventures to the next level.

Photo Credit: Image via OEM