The second generation of the Jeep Compass was unveiled on September 27, 2016, in Brazil and later at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016. This model replaced the Jeep Patriot and the first-generation Compass. Production for the North American market shifted to Toluca, Mexico, while the Jeep Cherokee (KL) production moved from Toledo, Ohio to Belvidere, Illinois, where the first-generation Compass and Jeep Patriot were previously assembled.
Built on a stretched version of the Renegade’s platform, the second-generation Compass is offered in four trim levels: the base Sport, mid-level Latitude, high-end Limited, and the off-road-centric Trailhawk. All trims are available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, except for the Trailhawk, which is exclusively available in a 4WD configuration.
In the U.S., the Compass is powered by a 2.4 L Tigershark four-cylinder engine. More than 65 percent of its upper body structure and frame consist of high-strength steel. The styling of this model borrows elements from its larger siblings, the Jeep Cherokee (KL), and Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), resulting in a design that combines the best of both worlds.
Notable 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 Warning, a ParkView rear-view backup camera system, front and rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain full-time four-wheel-drive system.
The Compass is assembled in Italy, Mexico, Brazil, China, and India. North American and European models are produced in Melfi, Italy, and Toluca, Mexico. In Brazil, the second-generation Jeep Compass began production on September 26, 2016, at FCA’s new assembly plant in Goiana, Pernambuco. Chinese models are produced by the GAC Fiat Chrysler joint venture. Production of the first-generation Compass and Patriot ended in early 2017, with production of the second generation Compass beginning in spring of 2017 for North American models. The right-hand drive version is solely produced at the Indian plant, marking it as Jeep’s first model assembled in India since 1996.
Compass Second Gen MP/552 Facelift 2022 – Now
The Jeep Compass received a significant facelift in 2020, first introduced in China. The refreshed model featured subtle exterior modifications and a completely redesigned interior. In January 2021, the revamped Compass was released in India, showing off a revised front profile, a larger grille, a new front bumper with an expanded air dam, slimmer headlights with Integrated LED DRLs, LED fog lights, and new alloy wheels.
In 2022, the US model of the Compass came equipped with several advanced features including collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, pedestrian/cycle detection, active lane management, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A semi-autonomous assist system, dubbed Highway Assist, was also introduced, providing hand-on-wheel and eyes-on-road automated driving capabilities.
The 2022 Compass lineup comprised the existing Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, Limited and High Altitude models. However, a new Latitude Lux model was added to the range, positioned between the mid-range Latitude and luxury-focused Limited trims. A limited-edition (RED) Edition model, based on the Limited trim, was also made available.
The powertrain for the 2022 Compass remained the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 172 lb. ft. of torque. All four-wheel drive models were equipped with the nine-speed 948TE automatic ZF 9HP transmission as standard, while front-wheel-drive models received the six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The Sport and Latitude models offered front-wheel-drive with optional all-wheel-drive, while all other models included standard all-wheel-drive.
In 2023, the Compass was upgraded with a retuned version of the 2.0L GME four-cylinder gasoline engine, generating 200 horsepower and 221 lb. ft. of torque. The previous ZF 9HP based 9-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a Hyundai-sourced 8F30 8-speed automatic transmission, further enhancing the vehicle’s performance and driving experience.
Special Editions
Altitude and High Altitude Editions
The Jeep Compass lineup includes special edition models known as the Altitude and High Altitude. These editions are available for the Latitude and Limited trims respectively. They stand out with their ‘blacked-out’ exterior accents, black alloy wheels, and other distinctive features exclusive to their respective trim levels.
Upland Edition
In addition to these, there’s the Upland Special Edition, which is available for the base Sport trim level. This edition boasts black alloy wheels, blue accent trim for the exterior badges, styling elements inspired by the Trailhawk model, and blue stitching on the interior. It comes exclusively with four-wheel-drive (4WD), a 2.4 L I4 engine, and an automatic transmission.
80th Anniversary Edition
Celebrating Jeep’s 80-year legacy, an 80th Anniversary Edition of the Latitude trim level was released for the 2021 model year. This special edition added unique exterior accents and a few extra features to differentiate it from the standard Latitude model.
Jeep Compass (RED)
In 2022, Jeep collaborated with Product Red to release a series of vehicles, each brand showcasing a special-edition vehicle with (RED) branding. The Product Red Jeep Compass is built on the Limited trim level and is exclusively available in Redline 3-Coat Pearl Metallic, paired with a black perforated leather-trimmed interior with red interior stitching. The Compass (RED) Edition also features special exterior badging and wheels borrowed from the Limited-based High Altitude Edition. As part of this initiative, Jeep also released branded (RED) merchandise available for purchase. Proceeds from each sale of a (RED)-branded vehicle are donated to the Product Red Foundation, contributing to the global fight against health emergencies.
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