History of Jeep Compass in Timeline

The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV, first introduced in 2007. Currently in its second generation (debuted in 2016), it fills a space in Jeep's lineup between the smaller Renegade and larger Cherokee (or Commander in South America). The first generation Compass, along with its rebadged variant, the Patriot, marked Jeep's entry into the crossover SUV market. The second generation shares a modified platform with the Renegade.

1996: Jeep's First Model Assembled in India Since 1996

Since 1996, the Jeep Compass is Jeep's first model assembled in India, at Fiat's facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra.

2002: Jeep Compass Concept Vehicle Premiere

In 2002, four years before the production model, the Jeep Compass concept vehicle premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, featuring a two-door body, all-wheel drive, and a 3.7-liter V6 engine.

May 2006: First Compass Assembled in Illinois

On 30 May 2006, the first Jeep Compass was assembled in Belvidere, Illinois, where the Dodge Neon was also produced.

2007: Compass Lacks Trail Rated Badge

From 2007, the Jeep Compass did not carry the "Trail Rated" badge, focusing on first-time Jeep buyers and those who primarily drive on paved roads.

2007: Introduction of Jeep Compass

In 2007, the Jeep Compass, a compact crossover SUV, was introduced for the model year, marking Jeep's entry into the crossover SUV market with the Compass and its rebadged variant, the Patriot.

2007: Production Model Compass Debut

In 2007, the production model Jeep Compass was released, maintaining styling cues from the concept car but featuring four doors instead of two, and excluding the 3.7 L Power-Tech V6 engine from the Jeep Liberty.

2010: Compass Still Lacks Trail Rated Badge

Up to 2010, the Jeep Compass did not carry the "Trail Rated" badge, focusing on first-time Jeep buyers and those who primarily drive on paved roads.

2011: Jeep Compass Redesign

In 2011, Jeep redesigned the Compass to resemble the Grand Cherokee more closely. It also received a revised suspension, interior with more standard equipment, and new option packages, including the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package.

2011: Jeep's 70th Anniversary Compass Model

In 2011, Jeep released a special edition Compass model to commemorate its 70th anniversary, which included upgrades, special interiors, badges, and wheels, and was available in Bronze Star, Bright Silver, and Black exterior colors.

2011: 70th Anniversary Edition Compass Model

In 2011, a 70th Anniversary Edition model was based on the Sport trim, adding air conditioning, unique leather-trimmed seats, unique alloy wheels, a sunroof, side-impact airbags, a seven-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, and a security alarm.

2011: Latitude Model Availability

In 2011, the Jeep Compass Latitude model became available. It added features onto the Sport, such as air conditioning, keyless entry, a security system, and power windows and door locks.

2011: Compass Receives Trail Rated Badge

In 2011, the Jeep Compass received the "Trail Rated" badge, targeting first-time Jeep buyers and those who primarily drive on paved roads.

2011: Engine Options for Compass

In 2011, the Jeep Compass used a 172 hp 2.4 L World I4 gasoline engine and a 2.0 L World engine on the 4X2 Sport model. A 2.0 L l-R4 TDi Volkswagen-designed diesel engine was available for European and Australian markets, which was replaced in 2011 by the 2.2 L Mercedes-Benz OM651.

2012: Altitude Edition Model Availability

In 2012, an Altitude Edition model was introduced for the Jeep Compass, based on the Latitude model and adding black-painted alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a sunroof, and a Boston Acoustics premium sound system.

2012: Euro NCAP Safety Test Rating

In 2012, the Jeep Compass was tested by Euro NCAP and earned a two-star rating.

2013: Altitude Model Discontinuation for Some Models

In 2013, the Altitude package was discontinued on several models, including the Jeep Compass, Patriot, Wrangler, and Wrangler Unlimited, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee continued to offer it for the model year.

2014: Features of the 2014 Jeep Compass Sport

In 2014, the Jeep Compass Sport came standard with seventeen-inch alloy wheels, an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and four speakers, a heater, cloth seating surfaces, and manual roll-up windows and manual door locks.

September 2016: Second-Generation Compass Debut in Brazil

In September 2016, the second-generation Jeep Compass debuted in Brazil, sharing a modified platform with the Renegade.

September 2016: Start of Second-Generation Compass Production in Brazil

On 26 September 2016, the second-generation Jeep Compass started production at FCA's new Goiana, Pernambuco Assembly Plant in Brazil.

November 2016: Second-Generation Compass at Los Angeles Auto Show

In November 2016, the second-generation Jeep Compass debuted at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, sharing a modified platform with the Renegade.

2016: Phase-Out of Jeep Patriot and First-Generation Compass

During the 2016 model year, the Jeep Patriot and first generation Jeep Compass were phased out, replaced by a single redesigned Compass SUV that FCA debuted in late 2016.

2016: Features of the 2016 Jeep Compass Sport

In 2016, the Jeep Compass Sport came standard with seventeen-inch alloy wheels, an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and four speakers, a heater, cloth seating surfaces, and manual roll-up windows and manual door locks.

April 2017: Compass Unveiled in India

On 12 April 2017, the Jeep Compass was unveiled in India and assembled in the FCA India Pune plant since 1 July 2017.

July 2017: Compass Assembled in India

Since 1 July 2017, the Jeep Compass was assembled in the FCA India Pune plant.

2017: Indian Parts in the Vehicle

In 2017, the Jeep Compass contained over 65% Indian parts.

2017: End of First-Generation Compass and Patriot Production

In early 2017, production of the first-generation Jeep Compass and Patriot ended, with production of the second generation Compass beginning in spring of 2017 for North American models.

2020: Facelift Launched in China

In 2020, a facelift for the Jeep Compass model was first launched in China, with slight visual changes to the exterior of the vehicle, and a completely redesigned interior.

January 2021: Compass Facelift Released in India

In January 2021, the Jeep Compass facelift was released in India, featuring a revised front profile, a larger grille, a new front bumper, slimmer headlights with Integrated LED DRLs, LED fog lights, and new alloy wheels.

2021: 80th Anniversary Edition Version Available

For the 2021 model year, an 80th Anniversary Edition version of the Latitude trim level was made available for the Jeep Compass, adding unique exterior accents and a few extra features.

2022: Jeep and Product Red Partnership

In 2022, Jeep unveiled a line of vehicles in partnership with Product Red, with each brand releasing a special-edition vehicle with (RED) branding. The Product Red Jeep Compass is based on the Limited trim level and is available exclusively in Redline 3-Coat Pearl Metallic.

2022: Compass 5th Anniversary Edition Release in India

In 2022, for the Indian market, Jeep released the Compass "5th Anniversary Edition", celebrating 5 years of the Compass in India. The car featured exclusive trim and alloy wheels, alongside a restyled interior.

2022: Compass Lineup and Features

In 2022, the Jeep Compass lineup consisted of Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude models, with a new Latitude Lux model and a limited-edition (RED) Edition model also available. The sole engine was the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder gasoline engine.

2022: IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

The 2022 Jeep Compass was tested by the IIHS, and its top trim earned a Top Safety Pick award.

2022: US Model Features

The 2022 US model of the Jeep Compass includes over-the-air updates and features such as collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, pedestrian/cycle detection, active lane management, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also includes a semi-autonomous assist system called Highway Assist.

November 2023: Next-Generation Compass Production Announcement

In November 2023, Stellantis announced that North American production of the next-generation Jeep Compass would take place at the Brampton Plant in Ontario, Canada, while European production will take place at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Potenza, Italy.

2023: Engine and Transmission Changes

For the 2023 Jeep Compass, the 2.4-liter engine was replaced by a new retuned version of the 2.0-liter GME four-cylinder gasoline engine. The ZF 9HP-based, 9-speed automatic transmission has also been replaced with a Hyundai-sourced "8F30" 8-speed automatic transmission.

2024: Compass as Entry-Level Model in North America

For 2024, the Jeep Compass became the entry-level model for Jeep in North America, following the withdrawal of the Renegade in that market and the global discontinuation of the Cherokee.

May 2025: Third-Generation Compass Unveiling

The third-generation Jeep Compass was unveiled on 5 May 2025.

2025: Brampton Assembly Plant Retooling for Next-Generation Compass

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Stellantis's Brampton Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada, is to be retooled for the next-generation Jeep Compass, enabling production of cars with internal combustion engines as well as battery-electric vehicles.