2023 Jeep Compass: The Big Changes of New Model Jeep Compass Preview

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2023 Jeep Compass We expect the New Jeep Compass 2023 to have a starting price of around $25,000 for the entry-level Sport trim. This is likely to go upwards of $30,000 for Trailhawk Limited and off-road-oriented models.

The New Jeep Compass 2023 is a compact SUV fresh from last year’s redesign that lends some of the pompous styling used to the high-end Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Thanks to its surprising off-road capabilities, the Compass is one of the few compact SUVs that can tackle truly rugged terrain.

By and large, the main competitor Compass is fine for traversing the muddy parking lot of the local pumpkin patch, but nothing more.

In terms of size and price, the Jeep Compass 2023 fits between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee. That pits it against some of the heavy hitters in the compact SUV realm, including the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Kia Sportage.

Powering the Compass is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission in front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, or a 9-speed automatic when all-wheel drive (AWD) is added. Whatever the combination, however, the Compass’ performance leaves something to be desired — specifically, more horsepower!

The 177-horsepower on tap is fine for errands but will run out of steam when fast acceleration or highway maneuvering is on the driving agenda for the day.

At the time of this writing, rumors were circulating about a mild hybrid powertrain joining the Compass lineup. It will likely consist of 4 small-displacement turbocharged cylinders paired with a 48-volt starter generator.

This will provide an additional boost when accelerating and help stretch the MPG during more relaxed driving as well. Whatever the form of the Jeep Compass 2023 hybrid, the added engine option would be a welcome addition.

Inside the Compass, you’ll find a standard 8.4-inch infotainment screen that’s easy to use and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This UConnect system is one of the best thanks to its clear graphics and intuitive menus. A larger 10.1-inch screen is also available.

In terms of passenger and cargo space, the Compass is a mixed bag. There’s enough room for four adults inside, and there are 27 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. It’s fine for a small SUV but not too big, and several competitors offer more space.

Perhaps the biggest selling point with the Compass is the available Trailhawk trim. Thanks to features like underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a more robust AWD system, the Compass Trailhawk is ready for more serious off-road adventures.

That alone could seal the deal for compact SUV buyers who intend to regularly explore paved roads and rough terrain.

2023 Jeep Compass Preview

Buyers love the two best things about the Jeep Compass: when properly equipped, it comes with real off-road capability (a rarity among compact crossovers), and its close, yet mini, resemblance to the Grand Cherokee. What do they dislike the most? The cabin is made of plastic, low rent, and has a pure no-tech feel.

Jeep has paid attention, and the updated 2022 Compass, unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show, brings a much-improved interior, subtle adjustments to its muscular look, and some desirable new tech features.

The second-generation compass was introduced for the 2018 model year, and its new look quickly dispels memories of its outdated predecessor. Sales more than doubled to 171,167 that year, according to Motor Intelligence data.

But in 2020 sales fell to 107,969 units as the Kompas and its larger sibling, the Cherokee, experienced some of the biggest declines in the compact crossover segment which was largely resilient amid the impact of Covid-19.

While the pandemic caused many downs, the Compass’s shortcomings were highlighted by newer or updated competitors like the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30, and its distinct off-road character is now being challenged by the Ford Bronco Sport.

Compass’s new update should make it a more competitive player in a fierce segment, but the pokey crossover powertrain is still there.

We’ve had a basic idea of what the updated model might look like for some time since the 2022 Compass was first revealed in China last fall. There, and in Europe, Jeep is offering the Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid, but Jeep hasn’t announced if or when that model will arrive in the United States.

The existing 2.4-liter, 177-horsepower “Tigershark” four-cylinder engine will remain the Compass’ sole engine, at least for now. As with the engine, the front-drive, and nine-speed four-wheel-drive Compass, automatic transmissions will remain unchanged. The most capable Compass Trailhawk, weighing 3,633 pounds, is unsurprisingly better known for crossing trails than blazing zero to 60 times, but that’s what it’s made for.

The big news is the updated Compass cabin: many of the best parts of the Compass just got better.

The exterior has only gotten minor changes, but the painted underside and fender flares (formerly black plastic) and new grille make the 2022 Jeep Compass look like the high-performance 2021 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk from afar. (2022 will bring a new generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee.)

We listen to feedback from our customers, and their wants and needs include improving storage and the overall look and feel of the interior,” said Winnie Cheung, chief interior designer at Jeep in a video released by the company.

Cheung calls it a “pure and premium” cabin. While we haven’t touched the material yet, it does look the part, and unlike previous Jeep crossovers. The highly horizontal dashboard features a draped center panel surrounded by sleek metal trim underneath. The top of the dashboard appears to float above, separated from the center panel by an equally sleek chrome stripe that integrates the side vents.

Even the door panels have been changed. “Some parts, like the 360-degree doorknobs, were inspired by the Wrangler, which creates this great family look,” adds Cheung. Family details aside, the Compass looks decidedly more luxurious than any Wrangler and this is a welcome change.

The redesigned console offers twice as much storage space, but also looks much more sophisticated, replacing the cheesy-looking unit that would have looked like a home on a 1990s RAV4.

The new wireless charging pad is optional and is in front of the gearshift. Rear passengers get climate control vents and redesigned USB ports (USB-A standard, USB-C optional), and for the first time heated rear seats are optional, part of the Elite and Trailhawk packages, with prices still to come.

Read next: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Exclusive Jeep Grand Cherokee Preview and Price

2023 Jeep Compass Spy Shot

Jeep in November unveiled the updated Compass at its annual Auto Guangzhou 2020 event in China, and now a prototype for a version destined for sale in North America has been spotted.

The latest generation of the popular compact crossover SUV was introduced for the 2017 model year as a replacement for the previous Compass, as well as the Patriot.

The updated compass will sport revised fascia at both ends plus slimmer headlights. The bigger news is what’s going on inside.

The entire dashboard will be replaced with a new design featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a 10.25-inch screen for the instrument cluster. It’s unclear if the latter will be a standard feature or available. The steering wheel and center console will also be changed to a more modern design.

Here in the United States, the Compass is powered exclusively by a 180-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that can be had with a manual or automatic transmission. The automatic is 6-speed in the front-wheel, lower-end models, and 9-speed in the all-wheel-drive Limited and Trailhawk classes.

In other markets, Jeep offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Dubbed the 4xe, the powertrain relies on a 1.3-liter inline-4 engine up front and an electric motor at the rear. Output ranges from 190 to 240 hp, and the 11.4-kilowatt-hour battery provides the short-range pure electric drive.

The same powertrain is offered at the Renegade overseas, but Jeep hasn’t confirmed if we’ll see it in the US. Jeep has started selling the Wrangler plug-in hybrid here.

Jeep has a busy year ahead. In addition to this updated Compass, we will also see a redesigned Grand Cherokee which will have a three-row option for the first time. There will also be full-size duo Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer arriving in the new year.

2023 Jeep Compass Redesign

Big Interior Changes Come With Small Price Increases With a new interior and refreshed front, the 2023 Jeep Compass is expected to face its subcompact SUV competition (more) with confidence.

2023 Jeep Compass

The modernized tiny off-roader features a plethora of standard and optional safety features and convenient technology while retaining a ton of Jeep grit. Now that we know all of the deets, one question remains.

The Compass gets an updated interior for 2022, with double the storage capacity and a more luxurious look at least in the upper trim. Other updates include an optional standard 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the latest version of the Uconnect 5 multimedia system, an updated front end with LED headlights, and a new wheel design. The number of trims has been reduced from seven to five, with the new Latitude Lux model positioned right in the middle. Additionally, more safety features are now standard equipment, and several new convenience features are joining the list of options.

2023 Jeep Compass Refresh

The 2023 Jeep Compass has been revealed in US specifications for the Chicago Auto Show. And it’s pretty much the same as its European counterpart with a modestly updated exterior and a thoroughly revamped and upgraded interior. But under a fresh body, the new Compass is quite similar to the old one.

Key design differences on the Compass include a revised front and rear fascia. The front gets a slightly smaller slot, and the bottom grille is enlarged.

The headlights are smaller, and all models get an LED unit with a reflector version on the entry-level model and a projector on the higher trim. The difference at the rear mainly lies in the restyled taillights.

The biggest changes to the car are in the interior. Gone are the lumpy, plastic-like old Compass dashboards. In its place is a lower, wider, cleaner version of the European car.

It features a quilted and stitched center panel that adds some variety and some more fun materials and has well-integrated air vents. The infotainment system now uses the Uconnect 5, and the Compass comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch display available. A higher trim level can also be obtained with the 10.25-inch instrument screen.

Carrying over from last year is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. On the front-drive model, it comes with a six-speed automatic, and the all-wheel-drive model gets a nine-speed.

No manual transmission is available. Two all-wheel-drive systems are offered, with the main difference being that the version on the Trailhawk includes a very low first gear giving it a 20:1 crawl ratio for slow off-roading.

The fuel economy is practically unchanged, with the front-drive version getting 22 mpg in the city, 31 on the highway, and 24 combined. The all-wheel-drive version gets 22 cities, 30 highways, and 25 combined.

What’s missing is the Compass 4xe, which has already been announced for Europe. But Jeep’s plans to offer plug-in hybrids in every segment lead us to believe that hybrids will eventually come.

Jeep says it has made some revisions to the steering and suspension that should make the Compass more responsive and smoother. It also says the articulation has been improved, with the Compass having up to 6 inches in front, and 8 inches in the back.

Ground clearance barely increased for the Trailhawk at 8.6 inches versus 8.5 for last year. Otherwise, it has the same breakover approach and departure angles, and the same set of features such as skid plates, red tow hooks, and “Rock” driving mode.

2023 Jeep Compass Interior

We now have a better idea of the upcoming updates to the Jeep Compass lineup for 2022 thanks to new photos and information about the European market model.

It features a new front-end design and an upgraded dashboard with a new infotainment system. We expect many of these changes to occur in the US; A Jeep spokesperson told C/D that the company will have US details on Compass to share in the next few months.

The Jeep Compass received interior and exterior styling updates for the 2023 Jeep Compass. The newly available 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a highlight in it.
The European-spec model has been revealed, and Jeep says that the US model will be shown in the next few months.

The updated Euro-spec compass has new LED headlights and a revised seven-blade grille up front, while the rear looks pretty much the same. It will once again offer the off-road-oriented Trailhawk model pictured here, and a plug-in-hybrid powertrain called the 4xe is a new addition to the lineup.

We’re not sure if the hybrid will come to the US or not, but the Compass’ standard 2.4-liter inline-four engine should hold up for our market.

The interior changes are more significant and include a new dashboard layout with a tablet-style infotainment display. The standard screen is 8.4 inches and the upgraded screen is 10.1 inches. Both are running the latest Uconnect 5 software.

A 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also optional, and Jeep says the interior materials are nicer than ever. The center console is said to provide more storage.

See more details coming soon to the US-spec 2022 Jeep Compass. It will likely start slightly higher than the current model, which has a base price of $25,990.

2023 Jeep Compass Security Features and Technology

The lower Sport and Latitude trims come with front-wheel drive; four-wheel drive is optional. The Latitude Lux, Limited and Trailhawk models all have standard 4WD.

Other standard features include the Uconnect 5 multimedia system, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless compatibility. Wireless charging, heated rear seats, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster are available.

For the 2023 Jeep Compass, all trims have a standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with fixed lane assist, and blind-spot warning with rear traffic warning.

Adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and a 360-degree camera system are optional on mid-level and standard trim models with top trim. Traffic sign recognition is also available in the top trim. A semi-autonomous driving system is scheduled to arrive later in the model year.

At the front, the bottom half of the middle stack houses the physical climate controls, while the top is dominated by a glossy black infotainment screen. The Sport and Latitude models will get an 8.4-inch unit in the case, while the top trim gets a 10.1-inch unit.

The display runs the Uconnect 5 Stellantis interface with Apple CarPlay wireless standards and Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. Cheung said the interface is five times faster than the previous version.

Drivers also get a new digital display. A small 3.5-inch unit is installed on the Sport and Latitude models, while higher trims get a 7.5-inch unit (optional on the Latitude). An impressive 10.25-inch display with two dozen adjustable readings is optional, another component of the Elite and Trailhawk gear.

The display can showcase several active safety systems, many of which are now standard, including active lane management and lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection. . Some of these systems are optional, or not even offered, on certain Compass competitors.

Adaptive cruise control, already an option in 2021, will join later this year with Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous mode similar to the new Grand Cherokee L’s Active Drive Assist. While it requires hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, the system uses geofencing to allow smooth operation on General Motor’s Super Cruise designated highways.

On the mechanical side, Jeep says revised suspension tuning and modified steering gear make for a smoother ride and more responsive handling.

Off-road equipment, including Jeep’s Active Drive and Active Drive Low systems, with the ability to remove the rear axle for fuel economy, has remained largely unchanged. As well as the capabilities of the Trailhawk model, although it gets new graphics and wheels.

2023 Jeep Compass Hybrid Power

The Jeep Compass was recently refurbished with an interior that falls short of its bigger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L. Now, it looks like there will be more changes on the horizon, in the form of an electric powertrain.

Embarrassed by the flashy decal strategically placed above the badge on the rear hatch, this rig is completely undisguised. The dead giveaway for its hybridization is the ‘lightning’ health and safety sticker on the corner of the windshield, presumably in place to alert first responders to the fact that this thing packs a high-voltage should there ever be a problem.

It is highly unlikely this is a 4xe type powertrain, as there is only one fuel filler door and no visible door for the charging port. What is much more likely is the deployment of a mild hybrid powertrain, perhaps taking lessons from the eTorque system that has appeared elsewhere in the Stellantis family.

Those in the know point to the 1.3-liter engine found on the related product paired to a transmission that packs an integrated electric motor. This is a fairly common way to inspire traditional powered machines with multiple electrons, as the overall packaging doesn’t have to change dramatically. Suggestions on which transmission to choose for this task include a 7-speed dual-clutch unit from Getrag.

With this type of technology benefiting from constant development, it is reasonable to expect the mild hybrid Compass to run in the all-electric mode under the right conditions.

Expect a 48-volt system to allow a small crossover like the Compass to cruise – even for a moment at highway speeds using electricity alone. A kit like this not only puts gas money back in the owner’s pocket but also improves fuel economy ratings across the entire fleet.

Previous reports have taught us there may not be a hybrid for the 2022 Compass, suggesting this powertrain may appear for the 2023 model year.

Read next: 2023 Jeep Wagoneer: The Actual Jeep Wagoneer Looks Unbelievable

2023 Jeep Compass Trim

The 2023 Jeep Compass lineup will be streamlined into five models, Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Trailhawk and Limited. Jeep has a tendency to issue special editions mid-year, so that may change, but the upgrades for the new year models don’t come at a price too high.

The base Sport model, in front-wheel drive form, costs $27,490 (including a $1,495 destination fee). The Latitude starts at $29,020 including destinations and adds 17-inch wheels (the Sport goes up 16 inches) and the ability to order options like adaptive cruise. On both models, four-wheel drive is a $1,500 upgrade.

The Latitude LUX ($31,090) is new for the 2023 Jeep Compass and adds 18-inch wheels, a 10.1-inch infotainment unit, leather heated front seats with electric driver seats and extras like a remote starter. It also offers options such as a hands-free tailgate, panoramic sunroof, and a second-row USB-C port.

The Trailhawk ($33,890) adds the Active Drive Low 4×4 system and many other off-road gear as before, including a factory 1-inch lift, steel skid plate and red tow hook.

The Limited carries the same MSRP as the Trailhawk but aims for a more luxurious experience. Both offer heated rear seats (a rarity for their class) and many optional perks, some of which will depend on the buyer opting for the High Altitude package (exact pricing yet to be announced).

More interior colors are available on the Limited, which features a black and steel gray color scheme wrapped in “Sepia accents” – essentially light brown trim. It looks good, and seems to match the multi-colored interiors on the Seltos and Mazda CX-30.

The Compass’s interior and technological changes come as the compact crossover market grows even more buzzing with the recent arrival of the Volkswagen Taos and the upcoming debut of the Toyota Corolla Cross.

The 2023 Jeep Compass arrives at dealerships this fall and is in a much better position to bring the mini Grand Cherokee look to a more luxurious experience.

2023 Jeep Compass Price

We expect the 2023 Jeep Compass in Sport trim and base FWD format to have a starting price of around $26,000. Adding all-wheel drive is expected to cost around $1,500 on the entry-level Sport and Latitude trims.

Starting with the Latitude Lux trim, which comes with an estimated price of around $30,000, AWD comes standard.

This applies to both the Trailhawk Limited and adventure-lovers models, both of which are priced at around $33,000.

Here are the MSRP pricing details for five different New Jeep Compass trim configurations: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Trailhawk, and Limited. Prices range from $27,490 at the low end and $33,890 for all the bells and whistles. The High Altitude package adds about $1,495-$2,595, depending on trim.

  • New Jeep Compass Sports
    • Sports 4×2: $27,490
    • Sports 4×4: $28,990
      • The Sport trim features the Uconnect 5 with an 8.4-inch center stack touchscreen, which Jeep touts as the largest standard entry-level touchscreen among its competitors. That means you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a basic compass. The cluster screen measures 3.5 inches. Standard safety features are no less and include things like Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Full-speed Forward Collision Warning, and Active Lane Management with LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. It was enough to impress friends. The Sport trim gets 16-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, and a six-speaker audio system.
  • New Jeep Compass Latitude
    • 4×2 latitude: $29.020
    • 4×4 latitude: $30,520
      • The Latitude trim features fabric/vinyl upholstery and several other interior details, including overhead ambient interior lighting. It receives heated front seats, new wireless charging pads, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. Additional tech options include Adaptive Cruise Control, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and a 360-degree camera. The cluster screen is 7 inches. There’s also a foot-activated power liftgate, smarter windshield wipers and headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
  • New Jeep Compass Latitude LUX
    • Latitude LUX 4×4: $32,090
      • The Latitude LUX is the new trim and bridges the gap between entry and luxury. It has a leather interior and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and the center stack display is increased to 10.1 inches. The wheels are a Satin Carbon edition painted in 18-inch aluminum.
  • New Jeep Compass Trailhawk
    • Trailhawk 4×4: $33,890
      • The Trail Rated Trailhawk is a beast in itself and adapted to the off-road scene: Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4, Selec-Terrain Rock mode, Hill-descent control, 1-inch lift, skid plate, tow hooks, and matte black and anti-slip hood stickers. red glare—to list some of its attributes. The Trailhawk gets heated second-row seats, a 10.25-inch gauge cluster, Highway Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
  • New Jeep Compass Limited
    • Limited 4×4: $33,890
      • The Limited gets all the premium materials and security features and advanced standard/optional technology that Compass has to offer. It has soft-touch door trim panels and nice contrast stitching and various accents inside. The illuminated front map pocket and door handle add to the Compass’ pizazz, as do the dedicated 18-inch alloy wheels. Compass Limited with High Altitude Plan starts at $35,485.

2023 Jeep Compass Release Date

The 2023 Jeep Compass we’re looking forward to and is expected to hit dealerships in the fall of 2022.