The first generation of the Jeep Compass (MK49) was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. Production began on May 30, 2006, at the Belvidere, Illinois, factory where the Dodge Neon had previously been manufactured.
Initially, from 2007 to 2010, the Compass didn’t bear the “Trail Rated” badge that is typically found on other SUVs in the Jeep family. However, starting with the 2011 model year, the Compass was awarded this badge. The vehicle was aimed at attracting first-time Jeep buyers and those who primarily use their vehicles on paved roads.
The Compass and its sibling, the Patriot, were both built on the DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi GS platform. These two vehicles are differentiated by their styling and marketing strategies. The Patriot bears a traditional 4-door Jeep wagon style, whereas the Compass sports a softer hatchback look, akin to the Dodge Caliber.
In 2011, Jeep decided to give the Compass a makeover. The redesign made it resemble the Grand Cherokee more closely, yet it preserved its own distinct identity. Along with the exterior changes, the 2011 Compass also received a revamped suspension for enhanced handling, an updated interior with more standard equipment, and additional option packages. One notable package is the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, which includes features like a continuously variable transmission with a low-range setting, all-terrain tires within 17-inch aluminum wheels, skid plates, a four-wheel-drive system, and an increased ground clearance of one full inch.
To celebrate Jeep’s 70th anniversary in 2011, a special edition Compass model was introduced. This version came with various upgrades, unique interiors, badges, wheels, and was only available in three exterior colors: Bronze Star, Bright Silver, and Black.
Powertrain
The MK49 Jeep Compass is powered by a 2.4 L World I4 gasoline engine that delivers 172 horsepower (128 kW). There’s also a 2.0 L World engine available on the 4X2 Sport model, which produces 158 horsepower (118 kW). For the European and Australian markets, a 2.0 L l-R4 TDi Volkswagen-designed diesel engine was initially offered, boasting 138 horsepower (103 kW). However, this was replaced in 2011 by the more powerful 2.2 L Mercedes-Benz OM651.
The Compass comes equipped with two electronically controlled four-wheel drive systems – Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II. Freedom Drive I is a full-time four-wheel drive system that features locking capabilities. On the other hand, Freedom Drive II, based on Freedom Drive I, utilizes the vehicle’s CVT transmission to achieve a 19:1 gear reduction, simulating a low-range typically found in vehicles with dedicated transfer cases.
The base model of the Compass comes with front-wheel drive (FWD). There’s also a Trail Rated version of the Compass that has undergone the same rigorous off-road testing as other Jeep vehicles. This means it has proven its capabilities in terms of traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
Compass MK49 Models
In the U.S., the Jeep Compass is offered in three primary models: Sport, Latitude, and Limited.
Compass Sport
Serving as the entry-level model, the Sport comes with basic features such as seventeen-inch alloy wheels, an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and four speakers, a heating system, cloth seats, and manual windows and door locks. Optional upgrades include power windows and door locks, a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a 368-watt external amplifier, and air conditioning. However, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), which provides information on gas mileage, miles to empty, service intervals, tire pressure, etc., is not standard equipment on the 2014-2016 Jeep Compass Sport and Sport SE models.
Compass Latitude
As the mid-range model, the Latitude offers additional features over the Sport, including air conditioning, keyless entry, a security system, and power windows and door locks. The EVIC is optional, included with the security and cargo convenience package which also features an alarm, tonneau cover, tire pressure monitoring display, and garage door opener. This model was introduced in 2011.
Compass Limited
As the premium offering, the Limited model comes with added features like leather-trimmed seats, an available sunroof, and a remote starter.
Compass 70th Anniversary Edition
In 2011, Jeep released a 70th Anniversary Edition based on the Sport model. This special edition included air conditioning, unique leather-trimmed seats, exclusive alloy wheels, a sunroof, side-impact airbags, a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a 368-watt external amplifier, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, and a security alarm. This model was part of Jeep’s celebration of its 70th anniversary, with all 2011 Jeep models (Compass, Patriot, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Liberty, and the Grand Cherokee) offering a 70th Anniversary Edition.
Compass Altitude
Introduced in 2012, the Compass Altitude Edition was based on the Latitude model. It came with additional features such as black-painted alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a sunroof, and a Boston Acoustics premium sound system with a 368-watt external amplifier. Initially, the Altitude package was only available for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, it was later extended to the Compass, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models. All models except the Jeep Grand Cherokee discontinued this edition after 2012, while the Grand Cherokee continued offering it for the 2013 model year. The name ‘Altitude’ was selected through a contest to name a Grand Cherokee concept car. Due to its popularity, Jeep decided to extend the Altitude edition to all its models, except for the discontinued Jeep Liberty.
The first-generation Jeep Compass and the Jeep Patriot were phased out during the 2016 model year. They were replaced by a single, redesigned Compass SUV that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched towards the end of 2016.
MK49 (1st Gen) Facelift Facelift 2011 – 2017
In 2011, Jeep gave the Compass a significant makeover to align its aesthetics more closely with the Grand Cherokee, while still maintaining its unique character. The redesigned 2011 Jeep Compass featured an improved suspension system for enhanced handling, an updated interior with additional standard features, and a variety of new option packages.
One notable package was the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. This package equipped the Compass with a continuously variable transmission featuring a low-range setting, all-terrain tires housed within 17-inch aluminum wheels, protective skid plates, a four-wheel-drive system, and an increased ground clearance by a full inch.
To celebrate Jeep’s 70th anniversary in 2011, a special edition Compass model was also released. This version came with various upgrades, exclusive interiors, badges, wheels, and a limited color palette. It was available only in three exterior colors: Bronze Star, Bright Silver, and Black.
See more Jeep Compass, information and reviews here at TC Chrysler Jeep