Jeep® Brand Vehicles Receive Top Honors at 23rd Annual Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) 'Mudfest'

News provided by

May 08, 2017, 15:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

All-new 2017 Jeep® Compass voted winner in the Compact Utility Vehicle category
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk voted winner in the Premium Utility Vehicle segment

Jeep® brand vehicles were represented in the 23rd annual "Mudfest" competition hosted by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), with the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass and the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk winning in their respective categories.

"The Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee Trailhawk faced tough competition at the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year Competition, but took the crown for Best Compact Utility Vehicle and Premium Utility Vehicle," said Tuan Huynh, NWAPA Mudfest Event Chair. "Jeep vehicles are renowned for going off the beaten path and this duo's extreme off-road capability with competent on-road performance earned the votes of Northwest Automotive Press Association members."

The most capable compact SUV ever, the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass was named the winner of the Compact Utility Vehicle category. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, the most capable factory-produced Jeep Grand Cherokee ever, won the Premium Utility Vehicle segment.

"We're thrilled the Northwest Automotive Press Association has recognized both the all-new Jeep Compass and our Grand Cherokee Trailhawk with their prestigious awards," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. "This marks further recognition for Grand Cherokee – the most awarded SUV ever – while Compass earns high praise just as it arrives in Jeep showrooms across the country. We're equally delighted that consumers are now enjoying the unmatched Compass capability that impressed the NWAPA members."

Twenty-eight NWAPA automotive journalists spent two days testing 27 vehicles through a mix of on-road handing and off-road courses. Testing took place at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash. A custom off-road course was built at The Ridge to push the limits of the sport utility vehicles, crossovers and pickups. Crossover and sport utility vehicles competed in six different categories: compact, premium compact, family, premium, pickups and extreme capability.

All-new 2017 Jeep Compass
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass expands the brand's global vehicle reach with a world-class compact SUV that enters a growing segment worldwide. Providing customers with legendary and leading 4x4 off-road capability, Jeep Compass offers superior on-road driving dynamics, best-in-class fuel-efficient powertrains – 17 combinations for global markets – and authentic Jeep design including an open-air dual-pane sunroof. Boasting state-of-the-art safety and technology, Jeep Compass offers more than 70 available advanced safety and security features instilling confidence in all driving conditions.

North American models are powered by the fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark, delivering best-in-class fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon (mpg) highway and 4x4 fuel economy of 31 mpg highway with 2.4-liter Tigershark Multiair Engine when paired with six-speed manual transmission. With a choice of three transmissions, customer can choose the class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission for 4x4 models, the six-speed automatic transmission for 4x2 models or the six-speed manual transmission for 4x2 and 4x4 models. Jeep Compass also offers the fourth-generation Uconnect system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the choice of 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens with pinch-and-zoom capability.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
The 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk exemplifies Jeep 4x4 capability with a distinctive, aggressive look, backed by Jeep Trail Rated hardware, resulting in the most capable SUV ever. The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk includes Jeep's Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD) for all powertrains, a unique version of Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Lift air suspension – developed for Trailhawk – that offers improved articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control, skid plates, 18-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, an anti-glare hood decal and signature red tow hooks.

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk model with the standard off-road package is Trail Rated. The "Trail Rated" badge indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

NWAPA
NWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 53 voting members representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups and the Internet. Non-voting members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com
FCA360: www.fca360.com
Jeep brand: www.jeep.com
Jeep blog: blog.jeep.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo