The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV,[3][4] introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year.[5] The first generation Compass and Patriot, its rebadged variant, were among Jeep's first crossover SUVs. The second-generation Compass debuted in September 2016 in Brazil and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, sharing a modified platform with the Renegade. It is positioned between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee globally or the Commander in South America. The third-generation Compass debuted in May 2025, built on the STLA Medium by Stellantis, shared with other PSA Groupe vehicles.
Concept
Four years before the introduction of the production Jeep Compass, a concept vehicle with the same name had its world premiere in Detroit at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. It featured a two-door body, all-wheel drive and a 3.7-liter V6 engine.[6]
The 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine from the Jeep Liberty was not available in the new Compass for 2007, though the production model Compass kept the concept car's styling cues and some of its features. The production model Compass also had four doors instead of the two doors on the concept car.
First generation (MK49; 2006)
Jeep debuted the production version of the Compass at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The first Compass was assembled on 30 May 2006, in Belvidere, Illinois, where the Dodge Neon was produced.
The Compass did not carry the "Trail Rated" badge found on other SUVs in the Jeep family for the 2007-2010 model years, but received the "Trail Rated" badge for the 2011 model year. The Compass targets first-time Jeep buyers and those who drive primarily on paved roads.
The Compass and Patriot are both based on the DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi GS platform. These vehicles are differentiated by their styling and marketing: The Patriot is a traditionally styled 4-door Jeep wagon, while the Compass has a softer hatchback look, similar to the Dodge Caliber.[7]
2011 facelift
For 2011, Jeep redesigned the Compass to more closely resemble the Grand Cherokee. The 2011 Jeep Compass also received a revised suspension for better handling, a revised interior with more standard equipment, and more option packages including a
Second generation (MP/552; 2016)
The second-generation of Jeep Compass debuted on 27 September 2016 in Brazil[17] and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, replacing the Jeep Patriot and first generation Compass.[18] Production for North American-market Compass models was moved to Toluca, Mexico, while Jeep Cherokee (KL) production will move from Toledo, Ohio to Belvidere, Illinois, where the first-generation Compass and Jeep Patriot were both assembled.
Using a stretched version of the same platform as the Renegade,[19] the Compass is available in four distinct trim levels: the base Sport, the mid-level Latitude, the higher-end Limited, and the off-road-focused Trailhawk. All trim levels are available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, except the Trailhawk, which is only available in a 4WD configuration.[20]
Third generation (J4U; 2025)
In November 2023, Stellantis announced that North American production of the next-generation Compass would take place at the Brampton Plant in Ontario, Canada, while European production will take place at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Potenza, Italy.[41][42] Stellantis also confirmed that the third-generation Compass is based on the STLA Medium platform, which underpins several Stellantis vehicles, including the Peugeot 5008 and the Opel Grandland.[41] However, on 14 October 2025, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa announced that production of the North American Compass would instead be at Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, starting in late 2026 or early 2027 as part of a $13 billion U.S. investment.
The third-generation Compass was unveiled on 5 May 2025.[43]
Sales
External links
References
- 2020 Jeep Compass - Adventurous Compact SUV Jeep.com, retrieved 2020-09-01^
- Mary Lowry. Jeep Compass is a compact crossover, doubles as family car HeraldNet.com, 2017-03-20, retrieved 2020-08-31^
- 2017 Jeep Compass: An All-new Global Compact SUV Delivering Unsurpassed 4x4 Capability, World-class On-road Driving Dynamics, Advanced Fuel-efficient Powertrains and Premium Styling