Jeep Compass: the compact Jeep crossover

The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year. The first generation and its rebadged twin, the Patriot, were among Jeep’s first crossovers, aimed at first-time Jeep buyers and people who drive mainly on paved roads. The second generation, which shares a platform with the Renegade, arrived in 2016; a third followed in 2025.

Jeep Compass at a glance

History of the Jeep Compass

The 2002 concept and the first Compass

Four years before the production car, a Jeep Compass concept had its world premiere at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was a two-door with all-wheel drive and a 3.7 litre V6 from the Liberty, and although that engine was not offered in the production Compass, the show car’s styling cues carried over. The production version was shown at the 2006 Detroit show and the first car was assembled on 30 May 2006 at Belvidere, Illinois. For 2007–2010 the Compass did without the “Trail Rated” badge worn by other Jeeps; it received the badge for 2011. The Compass and the Patriot shared the DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi GS platform but were differentiated by styling: the Patriot was a traditional four-door wagon, the Compass a softer hatchback in the manner of the Dodge Caliber.

Facelift and four-wheel drive

For 2011 the Compass was restyled to look more like the Grand Cherokee, its suspension was revised and the interior gained standard equipment. A new Freedom Drive II off-road package added a continuously variable transmission with a low-range setting, all-terrain tyres on 17-inch wheels, skid plates and an extra inch of ground clearance. Two electronically controlled four-wheel drive systems were offered: Freedom Drive I, a full-time system with locking capability, and Freedom Drive II, which used the CVT to provide a 19:1 reduction that simulated a low range. Engine choices ran from a 2.0 litre four of 158 hp on the front-wheel-drive Sport to a 2.4 litre of 172 hp; in Europe and Australia a 2.0 litre Volkswagen-designed TDI was sold, replaced in 2011 by a 2.2 litre Mercedes-Benz diesel. A 70th Anniversary edition came in 2011 in three colours, and an Altitude edition in 2012.

Second and third generations

The second-generation Compass was unveiled in September 2016 in Brazil and at the Los Angeles show that November, using a modified platform shared with the Renegade. It is positioned between the Renegade and the Cherokee worldwide, and below the Commander in South America. The third generation was shown in May 2025 on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, which is shared with other vehicles of the former PSA group.

Design and features

• Crossover first: one of Jeep’s first car-based SUVs, aimed at paved-road drivers.
• Freedom Drive II: a CVT-based system with a 19:1 reduction standing in for a low range.
• Trail Rated from 2011: the Compass passed the same off-road tests as other Jeeps.
• Patriot twin: same platform, different body, both built at Belvidere.

Jeep Compass versions

• Compass MK49 (2006–2016): the first generation.
• Compass (2016–): the Renegade-based second generation.
• Compass (2025–): the STLA Medium third generation.
• 70th Anniversary (2011) and Altitude (2012): special editions.
• Sport, Latitude and Limited: the three American trim levels.

The Compass sits below the Cherokee, shares its platform with the Renegade and its first-generation platform with the Patriot. More models are in the Jeep collection.

Video: Test: Jeep Compass Limited 2.2 CRD 4×4

Video by MotorAktion on YouTube.

Sources

• Jeep Compass, English Wikipedia: three generations, engines, four-wheel drive systems, trims