Upgraded variations for two old, established models added interest to hot summer drives.
Stunning power of the Sport edition of Ford Fusion and the toughened Trailhawk look for the Jeep Compass have lifted both a bit in ratings.
The sleekly styled Ford Fusion Sport sedan showed up in ruby red finish, with dark-painted wheels and spoiler at the rear.
No Fusion has ever performed quite as strong as the new Sport with the 2.7-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine boasting 325 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. With a dial shifter and small, easy-to-access paddles on the steering wheel, the 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive send the Sport on its way in good fashion.
An “S” button (for Sport) in the middle of the dial shifter can be pushed for improved throttle response, steering effort and stiffened suspension.
Sporty front seats, particularly seatbacks, are especially supportive, in a combination of leather and suede. Rear seating is roomy and trunk capacity is 16 cubic feet.
Turbo use kept fuel-mileage average in the middle of the car’s estimate; 21.9 in an estimate of 17/26. The EcoBoost calls for premium fuel. The four-door rode on Continental 235/40R19 tires.
Safety innovations, such as reverse sensing system, enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise with stop and go, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert boosted sticker price of the Fusion Sport to $41,675 from a base of $33,605.
Among a long list of standing equipment were rearview camera, remote start, capless fuel filler, aluminum sport pedals, rear air and heat ducts, SiriusXM satellite radio and intermittent wipers.
Here are the specifications for the ’17 Ford Fusion Sport AWD:
Capacity 5 passenger; Wheelbase 112.2 inches; Length 191.8 inches; Width 72.9 inches; Height 58 inches; Curb Weight 4,123 pounds; Track 62.7 inches front, 62.4 rear; Turn Circle 37.6 feet; Drivetrain All-wheel-drive; Engine 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6; Horsepower/Torque 325/380; Transmission 6-speed automatic; Steering electric power-assist; Fuel mileage estimate 17/26; Fuel mileage average 21.9; Fuel Tank 17.5 gallons, premium; Wheels 19-inch; Tires Continental 235/40R19; Trunk Volume 16 cubic feet; Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain; Competitors Buick Regal, Dodge Charger, Subaru Legacy, Volvo S60; Assembly Plant Hermosillo, Mexico; Base Price of Review Model $33,605; Destination Charge $875; Sticker Price $41,675.
New Jeep Compass
The new 2017 Jeep Compass replaces the former Compass and Patriot compact crossovers; its 4-cylinder horsepower has been increased by 22 to 180, it is improved in handling and ride.
In the Trailhawk edition, the Compass engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive and stop/start capability at stoplights.
Still, the acceleration and performance of the 4-cylinder MultiAir engine is on the sluggish side, compared with competitive all-wheel-drive compacts. In addition to the Compass’ all-wheel drive, it can be shifted to 4WD lock or 4WD low in tough weather.
Jeep continues its bright color splash, this one with a blue laser exterior finish and red tow hooks at the front and rear bumpers. A dark interior is trimmed in orange. The cabin is improved in quality and features a panoramic sunroof and a rugged rubber mat in the cargo area, accessed by power liftgate.
The Jeep averaged 23 miles per gallon of regular fuel; its EPA estimate is 22/30. It rides on Falken 215/65R17 tires.
Among features in the Compass’ sticker price of $33,815 are remote start, rain-sensitive intermittent wipers, GPS navigation, dual-zone air conditioning, offroad suspension and skid plates.
Here are the specifications for the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk AWD:
- Capacity 5 passenger;
- Wheelbase 103.8 inches;
- Length 173 inches;
- Width 73.6 inches;
- Height 64.8 inches;
- Curb Weight 3,633 pounds;
- Track 60.7 inches front, 60.3 rear;
- Ground Clearance 8.5 inches;
- Turn Circle 35.3 feet;
- Drivetrain All-wheel-drive;
- Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder;
- Horsepower/Torque 180/175;
- Transmission 9-speed automatic;
- Steering speed-sensitive electronic;
- Suspension struts all around;
- Fuel mileage estimate 22/30;
- Fuel mileage average 23;
- Fuel Tank 13.5 gallons, regular;
- Wheels 17-inch;
- Tires Falken 215/65R17;
- Cargo Volume 27.2 cubic feet;
- Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain;
- Competitors Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue;
- Assembly Plant Toluca, Mexico;
- Parts Content U.S./Canadian 27%, Mexico 62%;
- Base Price of Review Model $28,595;
- Destination Charge $1,095;
- Sticker Price $33,815.