The Wrangler isn’t the only Jeep that’s due for an overhaul. The ancient Compass is, too – and it’s getting one soon.
Jeep recently debuted the next-generation Compass in Brazil, home of the factory that will produce it. Workers there will manufacture the compact SUV with 17 powertrain configurations for customers in 100 countries around the world.
Us Jeep lovers in North America will get it, too. Jeep will show off the 2018 Compass at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, then begin selling it here in the first quarter of 2017. A Jeep press release states it’ll have “best-in-class 4×4 off-road capability, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, premium and authentic Jeep design, superior on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom, and a host of safety and advanced technology offerings.”
That probably means it’ll share at least some hardware with the Renegade, including its My Sky roof system. Let’s hope that also means the Compass won’t get another noisy and annoying CVT. An upgrade to the Renegade’s Selec-Terrain setup would be nice, too. The Trailhawk version of the Compass would be a perfect for it.
Visually, the next Compass definitely seems to share design cues with the Grand Cherokee, such as its head- and taillight designs. The interior appears Cherokee-influenced.
What do you all think? Is Jeep headed in the right direction with the next-generation Compass?
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
