Jeep · 2006–present

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV, introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year. 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 and is built on the Stellantis-developed STLA Medium platform, shared with other PSA Groupe vehicles.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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Concept

Four years before the production Jeep Compass was introduced, 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. The 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine from the Jeep Liberty was not available in the new 2007 Compass, though the production model Compass retained 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 May 30, 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. 2011 facelift. Jeep redesigned the Compass to resemble the Grand Cherokee more closely for the 2011 model year. The suspension was revised for better handling. The new interior included additional standard equipment. New option packages included a Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package with a continuously variable transmission fitted with a low-range setting, all-terrain tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels, skid plates, a four-wheel-drive system, and an increased ground clearance of a full inch. A special edition Compass model commemorated Jeep's 70th anniversary in 2011, and included various upgrades, special interiors, badges, wheels, and was available in only three exterior colors: Bronze Star, Bright Silver, and Black. Powertrain. The Compass uses a 172 hp (128 kW) 2.4 L World I4 gasoline engine. The 2.0 L World engine is available on the 4X2 Sport model with 158 hp (118 kW). A 2.0 L l-R4 TDi 103 kW (138 hp; 140 PS) Volkswagen-designed diesel engine was available for the European and Australian markets, repla

Second generation (MP/552; 2016)

The second-generation of Jeep Compass debuted on September 27, 2016, in Brazil and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, replacing the Jeep Patriot and first generation Compass. 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, 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. In the United States, the Compass comes equipped with a 2.4 L Tigershark four-cylinder engine. More than 65 percent of the upper body structure and the frame is made of high-strength steel. Styling of the second-generation Compass is inspired by two of its larger siblings, the Jeep Cherokee (KL) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2). Styling elements taken from the Grand Cherokee include headlamps integrated into the front grille and a narrow front grille with a black finish, while the Cherokee lends some of its rear end styling elements, basic interior design, and 2.4 L Tigershark inline four-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine and ZF-sourced nine-speed 948TE automatic transmission to the overall design of the Compass. Available features include FCA's UConnect 4C 8.4 and 8.4N touch-screen infotainment systems, a Beats Premium Audio System with a 506-watt digital amplifier, eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Jeep's Command-View panoramic sunroof, LED front headlamps, Forward Collision

Third generation (J4U/J4D; 2025)

The third-generation Compass was unveiled on May 5, 2025. It is the first Jeep offered with the choice of mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric powertrains. Fabia Catone, head of Jeep Europe, said this ensures it is "capable of meeting 90% of segment demand" in Europe. The third-generation Compass was designed in Turin, Italy, with the design team led by Daniele Calonaci, together with the Jeep style center in the United States. Calonaci's goal was to “make [the Compass] rugged, make it more bold but, at the same time, detoxify”. The Compass retains its seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and rugged styling; it also features X-shaped LED taillights which merge with the illuminated Jeep logo and the omission of chrome for ecological reasons. Additionally, the Compass features the modular anti-scratch shield and reinforced bumpers, while the vehicle's radar has been repositioned to prevent damage when driving through tight spaces or around obstacles. The third-generation Compass has a ground clearance of 7.9 in (200 mm) and a maximum wading depth of 18.5 in (470 mm). It also features shortened front and rear overhangs. Standard approach, breakover, and departure angles are 20, 15, and 26 degrees, respectively. The model is equipped with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 16-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Most of the interior controls are touchscreen-based including the shortcuts for the infotainment system and the controls on the steering wheel. There are a few physical controls such as the red switch used for the Terrain mode selector, a rotary dial used to control the automatic transmission and the electronic parking brake. The interior features a 34-liter front interior storage compartment, a cargo capacity of 19.4 cu ft (550 L), an

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Jeep Compass

Manufacturer

Jeep

Production

2006–present

Model years

2007–present

Class

Compact crossover SUV (C)

Body style

5-door SUV

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1686208CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_CompassCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1375207742 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeep_Compass_(J4U)_IMG_5727.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Alexander Migl · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — http://www.jeep.com/en/compass/Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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