Jeep’s Compass is returning to Australia to bridge the gap between the Renegade and Cherokee but in addition to more familiar 4×2 and 4×4 versions with Sport, Longitude, Limited badges, an off-road enhanced Trailhawk flagship will also be offered for the first time.

The second-generation Compass represents an aesthetic improvement over its predecessor, which some criticised as a poorly drawn Cherokee. Its edges, including the characteristic squared wheel arches have been rounded, the roof a little more swept back and a pronounced shoulderline added for a more contemporary and rugged look that’s enhanced by a higher ride height.

Like other Jeep SUV models, the range is split between city-centric SUVs and off-road capable tourers, starting with the two-wheel-drive Sport model that is powered by a 129kW/230Nm 2.4-litre ‘Tigershark’ four-cylinder petrol engine (also found in the Renegade Trailhawk), with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

2018 Jeep Compass mountain
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Compass Sport standard features include:

  • 5.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen with voice command
  • Bluetooth phone & audio streaming
  • ParkView reversing camera
  • Seven airbags
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • 3.5-inch instrument cluster display
  • Electric park brake
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
The Compass Longitude is a higher-spec version of the two-wheel-drive Sport and shares the Tigershark engine and automatic transmission. Additional standard features over the Sport include:
  • LED ambient lighting
  • Power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
  • Roof rails
  • Automatic headlamps
  • Fog & cornering lamps
  • Deep tinted rear privacy glass
  • Rain sensitive windscreen wipers
  • Bright side window surrounds
  • Fold-forward front passenger seat with in cushion storage
The Jeep Compass Limited appears to be the sweet spot of the Compass range. It rides on the Jeep Active 4×4 drivetrain and comes with a choice of engines including the Tigershark petrol and 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel from Fiat, both of which are coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

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2018 Jeep Compass interior
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It also features Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system which provides a choice of driving modes to adjust grip and torque to suit various terrains including Sand, Mud and Snow.

Other standard features over the Longitude include:

  • 8.4-inch Uconnect with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity
  • 9-speaker BeatsAudio sound system with subwoofer
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Parallel and perpendicular park assistance
  • Bi-Xenon headlamps
  • LED tail lamps
  • Leather seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Navigation
  • 7-Inch full colour instrument cluster display
  • Power 8-way driver/4-way passenger seats
  • Dual zone climate control
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
The range-topping Trailhawk is offered with rugged four-wheel-drive capacity expected as indicated by the winged badge.

Its Selec-Terrain system features a Rock mode, which works with the Active Drive Low 4×4 low-ration system, off-road suspension and raised ride height, to negotiate the trickiest conditions.

2018 Jeep Compass rear
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It’s powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine and nine-speed automatic transmission and has additional standard equipment over the Limited including:

  • Unique front and rear fascia for improved approach and departure angles
  • Black anti-glare hood decal
  • Red recovery winch points
  • Hill Descent Control
  • Four underbody skid plates
  • Full size spare wheel
  • All weather floor mats
  • Navigation
Australian market Compasses will be built in India, which is one of four countries manufacturing the compact SUV for the global market along with Brazil, Mexico and China.

It will arrive in Australia in December and pricing will be revealed closer to launch.