How the Second-Generation Jeep Compass Hits All the Right Marks

Drivers gravitate towards subcompact SUVs for many reasons. With the capacity for passenger comfort and extra cargo without losing its city street sensibility, smaller SUVs are a "just right" size for many drivers. Regardless of whether your adventures involve parallel parking or spending the day surrounded by nothing but wilderness, the Jeep Compass is an ideal SUV for drivers who appreciate practicality and versatility.  

As you search for a Jeep Compass for sale, you might wonder if a new or used model is right for you. While a brand-new car is always exciting, there's a lot to be said about the second-generation Jeep Compass.  Produced from the 2017 model year to 2024, the second generation saw plenty of changes that set the stage for the mighty SUV we enjoy today.

From outstanding off-road manners to a comfy cabin, take a look at how the second generation set the standard for what drivers should expect from today's subcompact SUV.

A Brief Overview of the Jeep Compass

Following its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, the Jeep Compass went into full production for model year 2007.  It was originally intended to blend the intensity of a Jeep with the practicality of a hatchback sedan. Remember, these were the early days of small SUVs, and manufacturers were still tinkering with the old station wagon formula.

By 2017, the Compass had evolved into its current form, an outstandingly capable SUV with a city-friendly size and engine. By pairing the stalwart, functional attitude of an off-road vehicle with a cozy interior, Jeep created a city-friendly SUV that made daily driving and road trips equally enjoyable.

However, the Compass wasn't always off-road ready. The Trailhawk trim was introduced with the 2017 line-up, bringing with it a new level of performance for this part of the small SUV market. The 2017 model brought with it a new engine, more features, and the same underpinnings used on the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Cherokee.

Over the years, the trim levels and names have changed a bit. Jeep has also released several special edition Compass models, all of which can be found pre-owned with a bit of searching. But the vehicle at the center of it, the Jeep Compass, has only become stronger and more driver-friendly. 

Standard 4WD and Off-Road Capability

Today's Jeep Compass comes with standard all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, but this is actually a recent development for the model, beginning with the 2023 model year.

When the Compass Trailhawk made its debut in 2017, it was just one of two trims with a standard automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line Limited trim also included these features, but the Sport and Latitude trims were offered in a variety of configurations, including front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. All models were offered with an optional automatic transmission, but it is possible to find both a standard stick shift and a touchscreen infotainment interface in the same Jeep Compass.

The all-wheel drive models feature the Jeep Active Drive full-time 4x4 system, which includes Selec-Terrain driving modes. This means all all-wheel drive models in the second generation are equipped with Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes to help with traction and performance in a variety of slippery conditions. While not all of these trims warrant a Trail Rated badge, they do have the ability to take the road less traveled.

The Trailhawk model is even more prepared for an even looser definition of "road." Both Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low are standard on Compass Trailhawk models, offering a class-exclusive full-time 4x4 system that locks in first gear for a 20:1 crawl ratio. Furthermore, Trailhawk models feature a special Rock driving mode, skid plates, and a lifted suspension that makes strange terrain doable. 

Second-Generation Jeep Compass Engine and Power Evolution

Manual or automatic, front-wheel drive or Active Drive 4x4, each model year of the second-generation Jeep Compass has been powered by a single engine option. The engine itself, however, has evolved over the years to match driver needs.

The 2017 Jeep Compass is outfitted with a 180-horsepower 2.4L inline-4 engine. Providing an exceptional 175 lb-ft of torque, the all-wheel drive versions of the Compass are tuned to tow up to 2,000 pounds.  

And while the manual transmission was discontinued in 2021, that was also the year that all models but the Trailhawk were offered with standard front-wheel drive. For the 2021 model year, all front-wheel drive Compass models include a 6-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive models received the 9-speed automatic transmission.

For the 2022 model year refresh, Jeep tinkered with the engine, improving efficiency but losing a little bit of power. The drivetrain lineup was simplified as well: Sport and Latitude trims include standard front-wheel drive, while Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk trims feature standard all-wheel drive.  

In 2023, the Jeep Compass finally found its current form. Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, the newest iteration of Compass provides 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, along with a reconfigured 8-speed automatic transmission.  

While having so many different configurations may seem silly by today's production standards, this means that drivers have a greater opportunity of finding a pre-owned Compass that meets their exact expectations.  

A Modern Interior for a Modern Driver

Historically, the Jeep brand has been associated with survival-based features, allowing for a lightweight cabin free from distractions. However, the Jeep Compass follows in the tire tracks of the more city-friendly Jeep models like the Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer with a cabin that invites drivers to spend more time behind the wheel.

At the start of the second generation, even the base Compass Sport trim included plenty of functional niceties.  In 2018, touchscreen infotainment systems were still something of a novelty, yet the Compass Sport includes a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth streaming, voice control, and a 6-speaker audio system. Stepping up to the Trailhawk and Limited models unlocked an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Drivers could also opt for a Beats premium audio system.

By 2021, the Sport model had received several upgrades, including heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a standard 7-inch touchscreen. Heated seats and mirrors, as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers, became standard at the Limited trim level.

As of 2022, however, drivers of all Compass models can enjoy wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, along with a host of USB charge ports. Depending on the trim level, your second-generation Jeep Compass may be equipped with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, both powered by Uconnect5 technology.

A Versatile Little SUV for All Occasions

From 2017 to 2024, the second-generation Jeep Compass has reigned supreme in the small SUV market, a feat that is not likely to change any time soon. With a range of models that provide drivers with what they want and need and an engine to power adventures on the highway or scenic byways, it's easy to see how the Jeep Compass can fit seamlessly into many different types of lifestyles.

Whether you travel by pavement or dirt, city street or highway mile, the second-generation Jeep Compass provides drivers with a full array of driving options that can put a smile on the face of even the most discerning drivers.