JEEP Compass Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Jeep introduced a significant facelift for the Compass range in 2021 and added more technology to a vehicle that could feel at home either in a parking lot or in front of a lodge in the mountains.

The second generation of the Compass debuted in 2016 in Brazil and, later on, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Fast forward to early 2021, and the car had to go through a major refresh. There were new emission regulations and new standards to achieve, and the Compass received a mid-life cycle refresh.

Even though it still sported the seven vertical slats on the grille, the 2021 version (launched as a 2022 model year) was more of an urban SUV than a hard-core off-roader. The car sported a new front bumper with integrated fog lights on the sides, extended towards the car's center with broad lines. Its headlights were narrower and featured LED daytime running lights at their top. From the sides, the profile remained similar but with a floating-roof design enhanced by the C-pillar's look.

Inside, it was a major refresh. The carmaker installed a 10.25" instrument cluster in front of the driver instead of classic, analog dials. On top of the center stack, mounted on the dashboard, Jeep placed the infotainment's system screen available with either an 8.4" or a 10.1" size. It was Android-based and offered wireless connection with either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Depending on the trim option, it offered a leather-clad interior or cloth upholstery.

Under the hood, the 2021 Jeep Compass featured a range of gasoline, diesel, or hybrid powertrains. It was ranged between 130 hp and a respectable 240 hp for the top version. They were paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic (Dual Clutch) gearbox.

The second generation of the Jeep Compass hit the market in late 2020, and it was offered with a new, 1.3-liter, turbocharged engine.

There are just a handful of car-makers that could claim their superiority in the 4x4 industry, and Jeep is one of them. Apart from a few mishaps, all of their products featured an all-wheel-drive system since the brand was launched in 1948. The first generation of the Compass was their chance to enter in the urban crossover market in 2007. The second generation was introduced in 2016 as a 2017 model year. In 2020 it was refreshed.

Only an eye keen for details could tell the differences between the 2017 and the 2020 models. Elements such as the front bumpers, with a low-mounted radar system, and the black door-mirrors caps were just a few examples. Other than that, the exterior remained similar. Even the headlights looked the same. The rear bumper was slightly different as well.

Inside, the new Uconnect infotainment unit was changed, and it was offered with a 7” or an 8.4” touch-screen. It represented a step forward for car-connectivity via My Uconnect app. It was accessible through various touchpoints, including a mobile app, smartwatch, website, button on the ceiling, and radio.

The most significant differences were under the hood, where the 2020 Compass offered a choice of diesel and gasoline engines. The jeep dropped the 2.4-liter version and received a turbocharged 1.3-liter gasoline unit. There were three choices for diesel units.

Unveiled to the public for the first time in 2006, the Jeep Compass sold well over the years. And 10 years after its debut, the 2016 model sold better than ever.

With so many crossovers available on the market, it was hard for the small Compass to keep up, however, it was one of the most affordable choice among the others.

The 2016 model was a 5-passenger crossover that was available in two trim levels: Sport and Latitude. The Sport SE and High Altitude Edition sub-trims added features to both trim levels.

Standard features for the Sport included air-conditioning, roof rails, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, foglights and 16-inch alloys.

With the Latitude, the buyers were offered the Sport’s standard features and added exterior chrome accents, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and upgraded upholstery.

Stand-alone options for the Sport trim level included full power accessories and some of the Latitude’s standard features.

Several packages were available for each trim level and added from a better sound system to a sunroof, bigger wheels, a rearview camera to increase safety and many others.

Safety wise, the Compass included antilock brakes, stability and traction control, frontal airbags, side curtain airbags and disc brakes in the front for the all-wheel-drive models.

For the 2011 model, Jeep gave a Grand Cherokee look to its compact SUV, the Compass. The new bodywork kept the traditional seven slots found on all Jeep vehicle grilles. But the overall Compass look has a more sophisticated appearance. The headlights are with halogen bulbs, but for the taillights, Jeep installed LED for the Limited trim model. Standard wheels are 17” light-alloy and, for the Limited trim level, 18” aluminum wheels are offered as an option.

Under the hood, the Compass received as standard a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that provides 158 hp and 191 Nm (141 lb-ft) of torque, which is coupled to a CVT transmission. Another option is the 2.4 gasoline version, which produces 172 hp and 224 Nm (165 lb-ft) of torque. When equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Compass can achieve a 10.2 l/100 km (23 mpg) fuel consumption in the city and 8.1 l/100 km (29 mpg) on the highway. The model is offered either with front or all-wheel-drive on both engine variants.

Inside the cabin, five passengers have enough room, but the three people on the rear seats will be cramped. At least, they can enjoy a Uconnect media center with iPod interface, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, a power sunroof, a premium audio system with nine Boston Acoustic speakers, liftgate speakers and fold-flat rear seats for sleeping in the car, in the middle of nowhere.

Jeep decided to widen its spectrum by introducing a more compact car SUV in 2006.

Aesthetically, the Jeep Compass featured classic Jeep features such as the round headlights, the 7-slot grille and the roof rails. However, the exterior design was completely new, modern and sleek, resembling that of the Dodge Caliber.

Unusual for a Jeep, the Compass was also offered with a front-wheel-drive system besides the all-wheel-drive one. While the new Compass had a reasonable ground clearance, it was mostly designed for town adventure, but it wasn’t bad out in the wild either.

The standard engine mounted on the new model was a 2.4-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder unit that developed 172 hp and 165 lb.-ft of torque. While the engine didn’t feel underpowered, the Compass was still not very agile, reaching 100 kph in around 9.4 seconds, similar to the Caliber’s performance.

For 2007, the Compass was available in two trim levels: Compass Sport and Compass Limited. With the Sport, the car-based SUV was equipped with 17-inch alloys and a CD player, while even the most basic features such as air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors and others were optional.

All optional features for the Sport trim level were offered with the Limited trim level which added 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rear-view mirrors.

Other options included a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and a premium sound system.