We check out the Jeep Compass at the 2017 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The Compass' closest competitors are:
- Honda HR-V
- Mazda CX-3
- Chevrolet Trax
- Buick Encore
- Nissan Qashqai
In this episode, we test drive the all new 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road today, and quite possibly the most affordable off-roader in the North American market.
Our test model was equipped with a 3.6-litre 6-cylinder engine, which provided enough pep and power for a vehicle of this size. Our tests yielded 288km on a half tank of gas and gave a decent average fuel economy of 13.9L/100km.
After using up a half tank of gas, we were able to fill it back up for $38.08 at a fuel cost of $0.94/liter. At that rate, expect to spend around $76 for a full tank of gas.
REAL WORLD TEST RESULTS
Tested fuel range: 586km on a full tank
Fuel economy: 13.9L/100km
Fuel economy (mpg): 18mpg
REAL WORLD FILL UP COSTS
CAD $38.08 for half tank at @94.6/liter
CAD $76 @ $0.94/liter
AS-TESTED VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
3.6-litre 6-cylinder (VVT)
5-speed Automatic
285hp @ 6,400rpm
Four wheel drive
Canada Day is all about celebrations, whether it be a concert, BBQ, or just spending time with the family. FCA Canada and the FCA Foundation had the same mindset, but with a twist of giving back to the community.
Out in Vancouver, the two organizations partnered up with Canstruction Inc., an international non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness for hunger and poverty, to build a full-size Jeep Wrangler completely made out of over 4,500 cans of non-perishable food.
After the event, the cans of food will be donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society that will supply more than 3,120 meals to the community in need.
“This unique Canada Day Canstruction project not only serves as a tool to raise awareness for issues of hunger and poverty in our country, it also demonstrates to the students involved how critical – and fun - subjects like science, technology, engineering and math can be,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, FCA Canada. “This project also provides a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to a community that has helped drive FCA’s success in Canada.”
The construction took approximately 12 hours to build by local-area students aged 12-18. The assembly took place at waterfront Canada Place and was on display throughout Canada Day throughout all of the day's celebrations.
This was the third time, FCA Canada and the FCA Foundations have partnered up on a project with Canstruction Inc. Back in 2013, Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square was the site for a full-size Dodge Grand Caravan; while last year a full-size Ram pickup was built in Calgary for the Stampede.
With the introduction of the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4X4, the manufacturer made what some might call a bold and daring move. The vehicle as tested recently, excluding HST, had a price point small change north of $70K. For a Jeep. The venerable, grandfather to the still-expanding SUV category – a market segment which is ever-so-slowly, beginning to outsell Canadians beloved light truck sector.
Jeep categorizes this SUV as a class-leading mid-size. Fair enough. But in this configuration, it competes directly against the likes of the Audi Q7; BMW X5; Infiniti QX70; and the Land Rover LR4 – among others. Perhaps it needs a catchier alpha numeric name?
Can this vehicle compete with the rich pedigree-laden luxury vehicles it might sell alongside?
Simply; yes.
Today's Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good looking, stylish and yet immensely practical vehicle. This SUV will surprise many. The cabin is richly furnished, with well-chosen textures and materials and provides an inviting layout and design. Frankly, this particular Grand Cherokee is loaded – the end result being a very pleasant surprise.
One of the main reasons for the larger than expected sticker price is the availability of an efficient and torque-rich option with the most welcome Ecodiesel 3.0-litre V-6. Offering 420 ft.-lb. of torque, and an inspiring 11.2L/100km in the city and 8.4L/100km on the highway. A full tank of diesel fuel yields approximately 1,200 kilometres and offers best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and you have a vehicle that can drive great distances – all in practical comfort.
Putting aside the fact that it’s a Jeep which to some potential buyers may hold some stigma, this is an impressive, all round vehicle that will offer everyone something more than expected.
The Grand Cherokee has a feel secure on wet or dry pavement, but it's also vastly talented off-road. The most advanced versions can still clamber over boulders and logs with ease, and the new automatic enables a lower crawl ratio that suits the torquey Ecodiesel especially well.
Jeep continues with the well-tested and accepted Quadra-Lift air suspension, as well as the three four-wheel drive systems – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. It also has the Selec-Terrain management system, which automatically caters the powertrain settings for either sand, mud, auto, snow, or rock.
My time spent with this model reminded me of some off-road escapades in the Kawarthas some four years ago. The Ecodiesel would have likely “solved” some of the deep mud terrain issues we experienced, overcome by towing winches and three, non-standard Jeep Wrangler Rubicons. But I digress.
As tested:
Price: $70,375.
Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo diesel.
Power: 240hp – and a stump-pulling 420 ft-lb of torque.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic.
Fuel economy (L/100km): City 11.2/Hwy 8.4. Actually averaged 7.4L/100km on the initial drive from Mississauga to Barrie.
Pros: a value-laden family hauler – just as comfortable driving to and from the cottage or the board room. Excellent fuel economy – do not be reluctant to consider because it is diesel. Over a seven day period with this SUV, we drove almost 600 kilometres for a combined fuel consumption of 8.0L/100km.
Cons: lack of a third row of seating; pricing – to some. Diesel may also be a negative to those that still associate this fuel with farms and tractor trailers.
Long and the short: worthy of consideration. In this configuration, you will be pleasantly surprised.
