As SUV sales took flight in the mid-2000s, Jeep watched millions of customers buy cheaper crossovers instead of its handful of pricey 4x4 trucks. In response, the brand introduced two front-wheel-drive (FWD) models for the 2007 model year—the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot—which were built atop a chassis shared with the Dodge Caliber hatchback. While traditionalists scoffed, these crossovers helped the Jeep brand through its breakup with Daimler, a 2009 bankruptcy, and eventual purchase by Fiat with the Dodge and Chrysler brands. The Compass, which looked more like a raised hatchback than the squared-off Patriot, became one of Jeep's best-selling models.
A second-generation Jeep Compass arrived for the 2017 model year and remains on sale in the United States as the entry-level Jeep model. It's also, when properly equipped, the only compact SUV with low-range gearing for off-road capability.
An all-new Jeep Compass was unveiled in mid-2025 and this third-generation model is already on sale in Europe, available with mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or pure-electric powertrains. Production for the U.S. isn’t due to start at Jeep’s rebooted plant in Belvidere, Illinois, until spring 2028. We'll add it to this guide when more details are available.
Our buying guide walks you through the first two Jeep Compass generations, looking at the model’s history, the best and worst versions to buy, and how much you can expect to pay for one.
Jeep Compass Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pros and Cons
- Jeep Compass Generations
- Jeep Compass Second Generation (2017-Present)
- Jeep Compass First Generation (2007-2017)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jeep Compass years are the best?
Late model years (2023-present) have turbocharged engines and eight-speed transmissions that significantly improve performance and refinement. We recommend these years for buyers who plan to keep a Compass for the long term.
Which Jeep Compass years are the worst?
Our advice is to avoid any first-generation Compass. Their build quality, noise, harsh ride, and poor safety scores do not hold up well, even into the final years of production. CarComplaints.com suggests the 2007 model year was the worst, with suspension issues the most common problem.
Is a used Jeep Compass a good deal?
Second-generation Compass models can be a good deal at lower mileages, but even the cheapest first-generation Compass can’t be considered a good deal due to its shortcomings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low-range gearing
- Available with some high-tech features
- Jeep styling
Cons:
- Poor acceleration and unsatisfying powertrains (pre-2023 models)
- Plasticky interiors (pre-2017 models)
- Expensive in top trims
Jeep Compass Generations
Jeep Compass Second Generation (2017-Present)
The second-generation Jeep Compass was entirely unrecognizable from the first, and much improved. With a new chassis and powertrain developed by Fiat, which formally merged Jeep with Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram in 2014, this Compass was 2 inches shorter yet nearly 2.5 inches wider. It had more cargo space (59.8 cubic feet in total) and passenger volume was slightly reduced. Front and rear headroom and rear legroom were tighter compared to the first Compass, but the improvements in tech, design, and interior quality put it leagues ahead of its predecessor.
The engine wasn't any better. The 2.4-liter inline-four, made by Fiat, was noisy, harsh, and slow. It made 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual and Aisin six-speed automatic transmissions were improvements, but the ZF nine-speed automatic was troublesome. As in every vehicle it appeared in since its debut in the Jeep Cherokee, the shifts were rough and slow, and it was prone to failure.
The all-wheel drive systems, as before, were very competent in the compact SUV class. A new power-transfer unit could seamlessly engage the rear axle and transfer more torque, more quickly, than the previous generation, and up to 100% of torque could now be sent to the rear wheels. A low-range transfer case with a 20:1 ratio was also included on Trailhawk trims. When combined with Selec-Terrain, the Compass had driving modes similar to those on a Land Rover. Fuel efficiency was better, too, at 32 mpg highway on FWD trims or 31 mpg on AWD trims.
Four trims were available at launch: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited. The Sport came with a six-speed manual and features such as power heated mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, push-button start, cruise control, six-way manual cloth seats, steering wheel audio controls, USB ports, a 5-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth. A six-speed automatic was optional with FWD, while the nine-speed automatic was optional with AWD. The Latitude added body-color exterior trim, automatic headlights, fog lights, roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, vinyl upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and passive entry with sensors on the door handles. The Latitude 4x2 had the six-speed automatic, while the Latitude 4x4 either had the manual or the nine-speed automatic.
The Limited had a chrome exhaust tip, standard AWD and nine-speed automatic, silver and chrome accents on the bumpers and roof rails, turn signals on the mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate, piano black accents, a 7-inch color display in the instrument panel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, perforated leather seats, eight-way power driver's seat, heated steering wheel, and an 8.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation was optional. The Trailhawk had most, but not all, of the Limited's features and came with a hood decal, red tow hooks, all-terrain tires, skid plates, a suspension lift, revised off-road suspension, and the low-range gearing. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitors were optional. So were xenon headlights, LED taillights, auto high beams, and a trailer package.
For 2018, Jeep made the Limited trim available in FWD. For 2019, the Sport trim was available with Trailhawk wheels and other parts, such as the skid plate, the front fascia, and the tow hooks, when ordered with the Upland package. Sport and Latitude trims now came with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited now offered a High Altitude Appearance Package with 19-inch wheels and other options such as xenon headlights. Sting Gray was a new paint color and adaptive cruise control was a new option.
For 2020, Jeep made safety features such as emergency braking optional on Sport trims, while a power passenger seat and cooled front seats became optional for Limited and Trailhawk trims. An Alpine stereo was available on all trims except the Sport and Velvet Red was a new paint color. For 2021, Limited and Trailhawk trims came standard with all of the formerly optional driver-assistance features, including rain-sensing wipers. An 80th Anniversary Edition package for the Latitude was similar to the High Altitude package, but added remote start, navigation, a power outlet, and special badging. The six-speed manual was discontinued.
The 2022 Compass received a brand-new interior to match the Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer models, with a new steering wheel, new screens, and a sleeker appearance. The High Altitude package came with softer leather seats, more sound insulation, new colors for the interior, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 10.1 inches). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and over-the-air updates were new, and all trims now came with forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assistance systems, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Latitude Lux and High Altitude (no longer a package) were added as new trims.
The 2023 Compass ditched the 2.4-liter engine for a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, now with an eight-speed automatic transmission that behaved so much better than the previous nine-speed unit. New 17-inch wheels became standard on Sport and Latitude trims, while auto high beams were standard on Latitude and higher trims. All trims came with LED headlights (projector beam LEDs were standard on Latitude Lux and up). A (RED) package on the Limited came with red mirror caps, a body-colored roof, and other styling elements. All trims also came with driver assists including rear seat reminders and drowsy driver detection, plus the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. For 2024, Jeep revised the trim around the grille slots, changed wheel styles, and switched the tire brand on the Trailhawk.
The 2025 Compass added a new color, Joose, while the Latitude added heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start as standard. The 2026 Compass brought Fathom Blue as a new color and, for the Trailhawk, made remote start, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and windshield wiper de-icer as standard.
At the time of writing, the range consisted of Jeep Compass Latitude, Jeep Compass Latitude Altitude, Jeep Compass Limited, Jeep Compass Trailhawk, and Jeep Compass Limited Altitude models. Base prices ranged from $31,350 to $37,240 including destination. Used prices for 2017-2026 Compass models ranged from an average of $11,000 to $31,000 on CarGurus.
Jeep Compass First Generation (2007-2017)
The Jeep Compass was a new direction for the brand in 2006: front-wheel drive, low to the ground, a suspension with limited travel, vertical rear door handles hidden on the pillars, and a continuously variable transmission. This was a vehicle for people who simply wanted an affordable car for commuting and errands, but with the familiarity and heritage of the Jeep brand’s round headlights, seven-slot grille, and badges.
The Compass shared its chassis and powertrains with the Jeep Patriot and the Dodge Caliber. At launch, the optional "active full-time four-wheel drive" operated in front-wheel drive until the front wheels began to slip, unlike a true 4x4 system where both axles are driven equally at all times. A lock function mimicked this functionality, but since it used a clutch pack, there was no dedicated center axle as on other Jeeps, let alone a low range. The 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, developed by Hyundai and Mitsubishi, made 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque, and was paired with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). On the Limited trim, the CVT had Autostick functionality for manual gear selection. Fuel economy was rated as high as 26 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for front-wheel drive trims with the manual (current equivalent EPA ratings for this model are lower to reflect changes in test procedures).
The Compass Sport did not come standard with a compass. Buyers received crank windows, a four-speaker CD stereo, fog lamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Power windows, mirrors, locks, keyless entry, and air conditioning were optional. Stability control and side curtain airbags were standard, but front seat side airbags were optional on both trims. The Limited added 18-inch wheels, cruise control, leather upholstery, and heated front seats (with all-manual seat adjustments). Navigation with Uconnect voice activation was optional, and optional on both trims were a sunroof, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, full-size spare tire, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a temperature readout, a garage door opener, and a tire pressure monitor. The cargo light at the top of the tailgate could pop out and double as a portable flashlight. All-terrain tires were optional and increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches. Cargo space was as high as 53.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Prices ranged from around $16,000 to $24,000.
For 2008, Jeep made air conditioning and the tire pressure monitor standard and added plastic chrome accents to the radio knobs, door handles, and lock knobs. Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat was a new paint, along with Brilliant Black and Surf Blue, while Jeep tweaked its many option packages to include more content and made previous options such as the auto-dimming mirror standard on the Limited. Jeep spruced up the interior some more for 2009 with a new center console with a split lid, new HVAC vents, LED-illuminated cupholders, and new door trim with padded armrests. The suspension was retuned for a "more comfortable, smoother ride" while a new Sun and Sound Group package came with two speakers on the tailgate that could swing down and swivel rearward. The exhaust had a larger resonator and there was added insulation under the floor and engine compartment for reduced noise. Heated cloth seats were available on the Sport.
For 2010, Jeep added standard front active head restraints and optional remote start and automatic climate control. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque was now standard on Sport trims with the manual transmission.
A major update for 2011 brought an updated exterior design. In fact, the refreshed Compass looked like a completely different car from the front, with Jeep replacing the blocky styling for a streamlined fascia that mirrored the new Grand Cherokee that debuted in that same year. The hood, front fenders, headlamps, rear fascia, bumpers, roof rails, and wheels were all new, including LED taillights on the Limited trim. The interior received softer padded rubbers and vinyls on the dash and console, a three-spoke steering wheel with buttons for the radio and Bluetooth, a redesigned armrest, backlit switches, improved cloth upholstery, and standard cruise control. An iPod input was available. On all trims, Jeep increased the spring and damping rates, enlarged the rear sway bar, and installed rebound springs for a more comfortable ride. Jeep's optional Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package added a low range to the CVT, which was revised for all Jeep Compass trim levels, plus a 1-inch suspension lift, skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The changes enabled the Compass to earn the company's "Trail Rated" badge. Jeep downgraded the rear brakes from discs to drums. A new Latitude trim was offered between the Sport and Limited trims.
The 2012 Compass added three paint colors and powertrain software updates that improved acceleration, throttle response, and reduced engine rpm when accelerating at mid-range. For 2013, Jeep added two paint colors and improved fuel efficiency to 30 mpg highway (based on updated EPA test standards). Finally, for 2014, Jeep made front side airbags standard and a six-speed automatic replaced the CVT. A rear-view camera was newly optional. Saddle Brown perforated leather was available on the Limited, while the Latitude introduced mesh fabric and additional colors. Satin silver trim replaced the chrome interior trim.
Altitude and High Altitude packages were introduced for 2015 with gloss black exterior trim and specific options from the Limited. Navigation became optional on the Latitude and the removable flashlight on the tailgate was ditched. For 2016, an SE Package was available on the Sport with convenience options that had been unavailable on that base trim. A 75th Anniversary Edition package offered bronze wheels, green paint, and other upgraded interior specs. The 2017 Compass, a holdover model before production started on the second-generation 2017 Compass, was available in limited quantities (and the Limited trim was dropped).
Prices for first-generation Jeep Compass models ranged from about $2,000 to $16,000 on CarGurus at the time of writing.
