2018 Jeep Compass: What’s New? The 2nd generation of the Compass was released last year as a replacement for two different cars. So far the car proved to be quite successful, and it seems Jeep is about to release it in a few other markets. Days back the European version of the car has been revealed in Portugal, and it looks to be mostly the same as its US counterpart. Like with most other cars though, there are a few differences, most of them being inside the cabin. On top of the European model, Jeep will also release the Compass in a couple more markets by the end of the year, one of these markets being India where it is expected to become one of the better-selling cars in its class.
Configurations
In the Middle East, the new 2018 Compass is going to be available in 4 different trim levels. In contrast, its European version will offer five trim levels. This should allow Jeep to cover a much wider pricing range and it should give them a good chance against their rivals. The price has yet to be announced, but as it sits, it is safe to assume the car won’t be much different from its predecessor.
The Interior and All It Has to Offer
Even the base Sport model of the Compass will be available with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system. This will run Chrysler’s uConnect system which is not only fast, but it also offers a good amount of customization which is fully available to the driver. A larger 8.4-inch screen can be had as an option, but this will not bring anything besides just its larger size. Inside the cabin, there will also be better materials than before and it looks like a full set of safety systems will be available from the start.
Trailhawk
The 2018 Jeep Compass will be the range-topping version of the car in the Middle East. This will come with improved off-road capabilities over its regular counterparts, and it should give it a nice boost on the road too. This model will come with better approach and departure angles, a higher ground clearance, aluminum or steel skid-plates as well as larger 17-inch rims wrapped in high-performance tires. Unfortunately, it seems that the Trailhawk will only be available with a 2.4 liter naturally aspirated inline 4. With 184 horsepower and 237Nm of torque, this is hardly the most powerful engine in its class. However, it should provide a good blend of performance and fuel efficiency which still matters at this price point.
UPDATE Apr 23, 2017 / After a slew of spy photos and speculating information about 2018 Jeep Compass we now have first set of official photos. The crossover in question was presented in Brazil, in its Limited and Trailhawk versions. The model which will be sold in the North and South America and one which is designated for Australia won’t bear any differences.
Despite pictures of it being made available for public inspection 2018 Compass is going to have its ‘real’ debut at 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. This goes with our earlier prediction that the model is going to debut in the third quarter of 2017 with its release date set for finishing months of this year. In most of the markets, the vehicle is going to be sold as 2018 MY.
Design wise new Compass is going to be more sport oriented with a focus on on-road performance which is almost opposite from its predecessor. Up front, you will find Jeep’s recognizable grille design, and headlights designed like two-steps. Opting for Trailhawk or Limited editions you will get a few customized features like are specifically designed steering wheel, two hooks, a lot of black-colored details, and a bonnet decal. Moving to the side and you will notice same box-styled wheel arches, a little-elevated beltline, D-Pillar which is now very thick, and a high positioned chrome trimmed line that separates the tailgate from the roof which is distinguished by being colored in black. The rear end of the vehicle gets a top mounted window, somehow similar to what Audi offers on their vehicles, together with LED taillights and a light line on the bottom end of the tailgate, also LED.
Interior
Looking at the interior, the Toledo-based company will also make it more appealing. The 2018 Jeep Compass will continue to offer ‘open air freedom’ which means that MySky roof panels are going to stay removable. This feature is also available on Renegade. The featured infotainment system is going to be Uconnect 8.4 which will now, unlike before, offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto together with smartphone projection technology, improved graphics, capacitive touch response, and a quicker processor for faster operation.
Depending on the market Jeep will offer seventeen different powertrain options. But, for the version available in the States you will have to settle with only one option, and that is four-cylinder 2.4-liter Tigershark unit. This mill can be found on various cars across the FCA lineup, and it comes with satisfying 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The transmission that comes with this engine is a standard six-speed manual and optional six-speed automatic which are available on FWD models. As far as the 4×4 models are concerned, you will get a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Price
Last but not least is the price, and here we have to disappoint you bu there was no official statement regarding price. More information will be available as the vehicle comes close to the release date. From the information we have now the price will go a little up but only slightly in order with improvements made. Just for comparison starting price for 2017 MY is $22,000 for the Sport 4×2; the Sport 4×4 goes for $23,500; the regular Latitude is priced at $25,400, but for AWD version you will have to separate yourself from $30,000. In the end, the Trailhawk comes wit a price tag of $26,700.
Feb 12, 2017 The Compass and the Patriot have been marketed between the Renegade and the larger Cherokee. While many people expected the two models to be completely discontinued, it seems that they will, in fact, release a 2018 Jeep Compass. This is rather surprising for most of us, but we are now quite sure of it, especially after we have seen the spy shots of the development mules.
2018 Jeep Compass Price and Release date
Jeep hasn’t commented on the cars so far, but it is quite clear what they are. While no official up to this point, the car may be showcased at the end of the year which is a lot sooner than expected. Its price is also unknown, but it is worth mentioning that the Patriot was priced from roughly $18,000 while the Compass from around $20,000. Some suggested that the new model would start from where the older Compass left which would make it quite an attractive deal for many.
Platform and Running Gear
It is more than likely that the new Compass will be based on the same chassis as the Renegade. However, this will probably be stretched and possibly widened in order to give it a correct set of proportions. It still is unclear from the spy shots, but some suggested that the car could be offered in two different versions. There would be a short wheelbase model with five seats and a longer wheelbase one with seven seats. This move would allow Jeep to compete with the upcoming CRV and the new Tiguan, both of them will offer five and seven-seat versions. The running gear will likely be quite similar to that of the Renegade while an optional off-road model could use dedicated off-road shocks and springs.
2018 Jeep Compass Engine
We still hope that the 2018 Jeep Compass will receive Fiat’s 1.4 or their 2 liters turbocharged inline four engines. However, at this point, it is quite likely that the car will hit the market with just the new 2 liters Tigershark inline-four petrol engine. This would offer 160 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque which would be roughly on the same level with the competition. However, with its rivals all being fitted with turbocharged engines, the Compass would benefit from such an offering. It is a known fact that Jeep is preparing a new 2-liter turbocharged engine for the Wrangler.
Rumors suggest that this new engine would develop as much as 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. However, for the Compass, we are quite sure that they would de-tune it in order to offer slightly more low-end torque and less power as 300 horsepower are not needed in its class. In any case, a 6-speed manual is likely going to be offered as standard while an automatic, most likely a nine speed, should be an option.
Interior and Exterior Design
The best part about the camouflaged test mule is that it gives us a good idea about how the 2018 Jeep Compass is going to look. The front seems to be quite similar to that of its larger brother, the Grand Cherokee, while at the back it seems to be taking quite a bit more from the smaller Cherokee. The sides are quite muscular and very different from the older model. However, once again the new Compass does remind us of the new Renegade or even the older Grand Cherokee.
As we mentioned above, it seems that there are two different versions, one of which has a slightly longer wheelbase and longer rear overhangs. There is not much to say about the interior as it was all covered up. However, we are quite sure that the car will employ quite a bit of the design found on its smaller sibling, the Renegade.
2018 Jeep Compass
Summary
Jeep hasn’t commented on the cars so far, but it is quite clear what they are. While no official up to this point, the car may be showcased at the end of the year which is a lot sooner than expected. Its price is also unknown, but it is worth mentioning that the Patriot was priced from roughly $18,000 while the Compass from around $20,000.