Jeep updates Compass with new interior and more gear

JEEP Australia has shown off its new Compass this week with the compact SUV set to arrive in local showrooms in coming weeks with a drastically updated interior, tweaked exterior styling and heap of new standard safety equipment.

Now starting from $37,950 plus on-road costs for the Launch Edition, the updated range will initially consist of five variants including the limited-run “80th Anniversary” mid-ranger and stretch all the way up to $51,250 for the flagship Trailhawk which again is the only diesel version.

The other variants are powered by the familiar 2.4-litre Tigershark four-cylinder petrol engine developing an unchanged 129kW of power and 230Nm of torque. This compares with the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that develops a gruntier 125kW/350Nm.

Inside the cabin of Compass is a completely-redesigned interior said to be easier on the eye, more ergonomic to use and more practical with three times more storage space.

The fresh three-level dash is ruled by the new-generation Uconnect 5 system, accessed via the 10.1-inch touchscreen with multiple user profiles and all of the usual technology highlights like TomTom satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice recognition.

Safety has been stepped up across the range with all versions scoring traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, drowsy driver alert and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

The only front-wheel-drive of the bunch, the Launch Edition, uses a six-speed automatic transmission to harness its power and will check into local dealerships priced only $1000 upstream of the outgoing Night Eagle.

Standard equipment on the range-opener includes LED headlights and foglights, black roof, cloth upholstery, a 7.0-inch TFT display, wireless phone charging, keyless entry with push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, electric park brake, dusk-sensing headlights and automatic high beam in addition to the key features outlined above.

As for standard safety equipment and driver aids, the base model comes with all the new-age systems mentioned previously as well as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, lane-departure warning plus, reversing camera, automatic electronic brake hold and full-speed forward collision warning plus.

Priced $3000 above the Launch Edition is the $43,950 Limited which not only adds more standard equipment, but all-wheel-drive, three extra transmission ratios and Jeep’s proprietary Selec-Terrain off-road system.

Inside, the extra gear extends to leather upholstery and electric front seat adjustment with memory function for the driver, 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench, bi-function LED projector headlights, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, front parking sensors, P&P Park and Unpark Assist System and a power tailgate with kick function.

Those wanting a sportier disposition can opt for the $46,950 S-Limited which adds a sports body kit, more aggressively-designed alloy wheels, a black headliner, grey interior accent stitching and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system.

Also based on the Limited, the 80th Anniversary ($47,941) variant is the latest member of the 80th Anniversary portfolio to touch down in Australia, with just 160 units set to be offered nationally.

Compared to its donor car, the limited-edition adds unique Crystal Grey 18-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured fascia, wheel flares, side mouldings and skirts, a dual-pane panoramic roof, premium leather upholstery with light tungsten accent stitching, manually-adjusted front seats, heated steering wheel, nine-speaker Alpine sound system, surround-view camera system, black headliner and a Jeep 80th Anniversary instrument panel applique.

Retaining its position at the top of the Compass range, the off-road focused Trailhawk won’t arrive locally until later in the year (along with the Limited), priced from $51,250.

Based on the S-Limited, the name of the Trailhawk’s game is adventure and off-road capability, which is why it boasts a 180 Amp alternator, a 4.334 rear axle ratio, two exposed recovery points (red), four underbody skid plates, Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 system, a full-size spare wheel, reversible carpet/vinyl cargo mat and 17-inch Falken All-Season tyres.

The Compass variants have slight differences in their appearances but the Trailhawk is unmistakable thanks to its black bonnet decal, red recovery points, unique 17-inch wheels and grey exterior ascents.

Standard features over the S-Limited’s creature comfort list includes red interior stitching, accents, all-season floor mats, leather-trimmed bucket seats and a 360-degree camera.

According to Jeep Australia marketing and communications director Tom Noble, the Compass has long been considered the benchmark of off-road capability compact SUVs.

“Now we’re pairing that capability with advanced technology and a premium interior styling,” he said. 

“The comfort you want for your daily commute and the capability to tackle your weekend adventures have found harmony in the new Jeep Compass.

“The Compass Trailhawk takes off-roading to the next level with increased ground clearance and superior approach and departure angles.”

2021 Jeep Compass pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs