Generation history
Jeep Compass generations and next redesign.
The Jeep Compass has been through 3 generations, starting in 2006, 2016 and 2025. The gaps were 10, 9 years, an average of 9.5. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2025. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2034 through 2036, centered on 2035. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The third-generation Compass was unveiled on May 5, 2025. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Jeep Compass model page.
Every generation
The Jeep Compass, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
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| First generation | MK49 | 2006–2016 | Jeep debuted the production version of the Compass at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. |
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| Second generation | MP/552 | 2016–2025 | The second-generation of Jeep Compass debuted on September 27, 2016, in Brazil and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, replacing the Jeep Patriot and first generation Compass. |
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| Third generation | J4U/J4D | 2025–present | The third-generation Compass was unveiled on May 5, 2025. |
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The Jeep Compass spent 9.5 years per generation on average. The current one is 1 years old. Treat 2034 to 2036 as a range, not a date.
Source: Jeep Compass (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Jeep Compass model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Jeep Compass generation changed.
First generation, 2006 to 2016
Jeep debuted the production version of the Compass at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The first Compass was assembled on May 30, 2006, in Belvidere, Illinois, where the Dodge Neon was produced. The Compass did not carry the "Trail Rated" badge found on other SUVs in the Jeep family for the 2007-2010 model years, but received the "Trail Rated" badge for the 2011 model year. The Compass targets first-time Jeep buyers and those who drive primarily on paved roads.
Second generation, 2016 to 2025
The second-generation of Jeep Compass debuted on September 27, 2016, in Brazil and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, replacing the Jeep Patriot and first generation Compass. Production for North American-market Compass models was moved to Toluca, Mexico, while Jeep Cherokee (KL) production will move from Toledo, Ohio to Belvidere, Illinois, where the first-generation Compass and Jeep Patriot were both assembled.
Third generation, 2025 to today
The third-generation Compass was unveiled on May 5, 2025. It is the first Jeep offered with the choice of mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric powertrains. Fabia Catone, head of Jeep Europe, said this ensures it is "capable of meeting 90% of segment demand" in Europe. The third-generation Compass was designed in Turin, Italy, with the design team led by Daniele Calonaci, together with the Jeep style center in the United States.
Generation notes adapted from Jeep Compass (Wikipedia).
Today's Jeep Compass
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Jeep Compass at a glance
- Production
- 2006–present
- Model years
- 2007–present
- Class
- Compact crossover SUV (C)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Chassis
- Unibody
NHTSA rated the 2025 Jeep Compass overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 3 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In… Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Jeep Compass, most often about electrical system (11), forward collision avoidance (10), lane departure (4).