Jeep Keeps Decade-Old Compass Alive In South America
Jeep
While Europeans are already driving the third-generation Jeep Compass, other markets around the world — including the U.S. — are stuck driving the second-generation model that debuted back in 2016. U.S. buyers are hoping for a yet-unconfirmed new model to be built in Belvidere, Illinois, alongside the next Cherokee. Meanwhile, Stellantis has introduced a series of model year updates for the second-gen Compass in Brazil, heralded by the addition of mild hybrid tech.
The Jeep Compass MP/552 was introduced in September 2016, which means it is officially a 10-year-old design. The Brazilian-spec SUV doesn’t get any visual updates for 2027, retaining the styling of the facelift from 2021. The only new additions are the redesigned 18-inch and 19-inch wheels and a new Slash Gold shade for the exterior. Furthermore, the Longitude Night Eagle trim joins the lineup with darkened emblems.
The interior has also been carried over from the 5-year-old facelift with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch infotainment display, although high-spec trims do gain synthetic suede inserts on the dashboard and door panels. Notably, Jeep didn’t include any photos of the interior on its press release, despite detailing the equipment and features of the entire lineup.
Mild-hybrid tech for the flex-fuel engines
Jeep
The biggest news for the 2027 Jeep Compass in Brazil is a new electrified powertrain option exclusively available in the Longitude Night Eagle and Series S trims. The mild-hybrid 1.3-liter TurboFlex four-cylinder engine generates an unchanged 176 hp (131 kW / 178 PS) of power, but the belt-driven starter-generator is said to reduce fuel consumption by up to 11%.
Jeep used to offer a mild-hybrid previous-gen Compass in Europe but that used a different system paired to a turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. As for the new EU-spec Compass, this comes standard with mild-hybrid tech and a turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine.
Back to the Brazilian model, the Sport and Longitude trims retain the non-electrified 1.3-liter TurboFlex engine, sending power to the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. If you are not familiar with the “flex” term, it communicates the powertrain’s ability to run on both gasoline and ethanol.
Finally, the flagship Blackhawk trim is powered by a carry-over 2.0-liter Hurricane TurboFlex four-cylinder engine, generating 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. More importantly, this is the only AWD-capable version of the Brazilian-spec Compass.
What about the future?
Jeep
The aging Jeep Compass might have entered the 2027 model year in Brazil, but it’s getting closer to retirement. Stellantis is reportedly preparing a much more substantial overhaul for the South American Compass around 2028. Rather than retooling the Goiana plant and bringing over the European model, which is based on the STLA Medium architecture, Jeep might upgrade the legacy FCA Small Wide underpinnings.
Still, the exterior and interior design will likely be overhauled, alongside mechanical updates designed to keep the SUV fresh against the competition. There are also reports about the potential of a range-extender powertrain option utilizing technology from Chinese partner Leapmotor. Meanwhile, the future of the Compass in North America is still blurry. Stellantis previously abandoned its strategy to manufacture the third-gen model at its Brampton Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada, and can’t import the European model from Italy due to tariffs. The company is now considering a new STLA One-based SUV produced in the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, alongside the next Cherokee.
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Source: www.carscoops.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.