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Best Jeep Compass Years to Buy Used

Used Jeep Compass Quick Facts

  • When considering a used Jeep Compass, the 2020 through 2022 model years are the best to buy used.
  • Some Compass models are available with low-range four-wheel drive.
  • Jeep has sold the Compass since 2007.
  • The Compass is now in its second generation.

    The Compass has been a part of Jeep’s lineup since the 2007 model year. The compact SUV offers a more rugged experience than most in its class, but that off-road capability comes at the expense of comfort and on-road refinement.

What Is the Best Model-Year Used Jeep Compass?

The 2020 through 2022 model years are the best to buy used. They offer many of the same features and tech of the newest models at a more wallet-friendly used-car price.

See Jeep Compass SUVs for sale near you.

Jeep Compass by Model Year: What Do You Get?

For the 2026 model year, the Jeep Compass is in its second generation in North America, with its last refresh in 2022. The next-gen 2026 Jeep Compass is available for customers in Europe.

Second Generation (2017-Present)

Jeep Compass

2017-2022 Jeep Compass Specs

TrimEngine SpecsHorsepowerTorqueDrivetrain
Sport2.4L I4 MultiAir180 hp175 lb-ftFWD or AWD
Latitude2.4L I4 MultiAir180 hp175 lb-ftFWD or AWD
Limited2.4L I4 MultiAir180 hp175 lb-ftAWD only
Trailhawk2.4L I4 MultiAir180 hp175 lb-ftAWD only

The second-generation Jeep Compass addressed many of the shortcomings of the first-generation model, while improving its off-road capability and introducing new technology features.

2025 Updates

  • Latitude Lux trim is discontinued
  • New Joose limited-edition color option

2024 Updates

  • Newly available appearance packages
  • New grille inserts
  • New all-terrain tire option for the Trailhawk trim

2023 Updates

  • New turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower
  • All-wheel drive becomes standard
Jeep Compass

2022 Updates

  • New front-end design
  • Updated dash
  • Revised infotainment system with new hardware and software

2021 Updates

  • New 80th Anniversary Edition model
  • New safety equipment for the Limited and Trailhawk trims

2020 Updates

  • More available features for the base Sport trim
  • New Advanced Safety Package
  • Available Alpine sound system

2019 Updates

  • Upland Special Edition Package
  • High Altitude Appearance Package
  • Available adaptive cruise control

2018 Updates

  • Limited trim became available with front-wheel drive

2017 Updates

  • All-new model for 2017
  • Revised styling
  • New off-road features
  • Updated Uconnect infotainment

See 2017-2025 Jeep Compass SUVs for sale near you.

First Generation (2007-2016) 

TrimEngine OptionsHorsepowerTorque
Sport 2WD2.0L I4 (CVT)158 hp141 lb-ft
Sport 2WD2.4L I4 (5-speed manual or CVT)172 hp165 lb-ft
Sport 4WD2.4L I4 (5-speed manual or CVT)172 hp165 lb-ft
Limited 2WD2.4L I4 (5-speed manual or CVT)172 hp165 lb-ft
Limited 4WD2.4L I4 (5-speed manual or CVT)172 hp165 lb-ft

The original Jeep Compass was surprisingly basic by most standards, with features like air conditioning withheld as added-cost options. That said, the first-generation compass offered a decent list of features for the money.

Interior Features

  • 12-volt power outlet
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 60/40 folding rear seats
  • AM/FM stereo with CD player
  • Four speakers

Model Year Changes 

Jeep introduced a range of updates over the Compass’ first generation, which lasted almost ten years.

2016 Updates

  • Uconnect hands-free became standard
  • SiriusXM radio became standard
  • New Sport SE package

2015 Updates

  • Navigation updates
  • New Uconnect software

2014 Updates

  • Newly available six-speed automatic transmission
  • Light exterior updates
  • Additional standard airbags

2013 Updates

  • Infotainment updates
  • Revised interior
  • Updated suspension system
  • Newly available rearview camera

2012 Updates

  • Navigation map updates
  • Engine computer updates

2011 Updates

  • New front fascia
  • Improved interior materials and design
  • New off-road packages
  • More standard safety features

2010 Updates

  • Newly available five-speed manual transmission
  • Revised package availability
  • Automatic climate controls are available for the top Limited trim

2009 Updates

  • Updated interior with new dashboard and center console
  • More sound-deadening material
  • Available hard drive music storage system
  • 2008 Updates
  • Air conditioning became standard
  • Updated engines and transmissions

See used 2007-2016 Jeep Compass SUVs for sale near you.

Jeep Compass

What to Know About the Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is more capable off-road than most of its competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, but it’s not as rugged as other SUVs from the automaker. Jeep designed the Compass as a less intense entry-level SUV that offers a more friendly on-road experience, but its slightly beefier construction gives it a somewhat less refined ride quality on the pavement.

When is a New Jeep Compass Coming?

Jeep last gave the Compass a full redesign for the 2017 model year, but that’s expected to change with the introduction of the 2026 Compass. The new model will ride on a new platform, offer a revised trim lineup, and new powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid variant.

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