At last: turbo 2.0, AWD standard in 2023 Jeep Compass; numerous other upgrades, too

The Jeep Compass is comfortable, on the verge of luxurious, and capable; but until recently it was only powered by an aged 2.4 liter engine which, while sufficient for many people, was not particularly exciting.

Today, Jeep made the long-awaited announcement that the 2-liter turbocharged GME four-cylinder would finally replace the old 2.4 in the Compass. This engine produces just a little more power than the 2.4, with a peak rating of 200 hp, but it has a much wider torque band and far greater peak torque (221 lb-ft).

Jeep 2.0 Turbo GME engine

The 2023 Compass has five different configurations, all coming with all wheel drive (Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk). It is available to order now, with deliveries next year.

The all wheel drive system still uses the power takeoff unit, and goes in and out of AWD mode without driver intervention needed. An Active Drive Low system adds a 20:1 crawl ratio via a low gear. Both have Selec-Terrain, with driver-selectable Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes; Trailhawk buyers also get the Rock mode. Hill Descent Control is included with the Trailhawk, too. Handling has been bolstered for 2023 with a larger rear stabilizer bar and returned power steering.

2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk

The engine has a twin-scroll, low inertia turbocharger with an electrically actuated wastegate; the turbocharger is mounted to the cylinder head and has a dedicated cooling circuit to lower the temperature of the intake air, throttle body, and turbocharger. Other engine features are independent timing for the two cams and cooled EGR. It is a dual cam engine with direct fuel injection supplied by a 2900-psi common-rail system.  The aluminum block has cast-in iron liners; each cylinder has piston oil cooling jets. Select-fit main and rod bearings reduce clearances. Sodium-filled exhaust valves and plasma-coated piston rings also extend the engine’s life.

The new eight-speed (apparently not nine-speed) automatic is the only transmission on the 2023 Compass. The Trail Rated 4×4 20:1 rock-crawl ratio is enabled by a 4.71:1 first gear ratio coupled with a 4.398 final drive. No other details were provided, but the ZF 9-speed previously used by Jeep and Chrysler front-wheel drive vehicles had a 4.7:1 first gear; it’s possible the company is using the same transmission but locking out one gear in software. d

Safety features, now standard across all trims, include drowsy driver detection, rear seat reminder alert (for children in the back seats), LED headlights, and security alarm.

2023 Jeep Compass interior

New technologies for 2023 include an optional 10.25-inch frameless full-color digital cluster; a standard 10.1-inch digital infotainment touchscreen; Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; and an optional wireless charging pad and Alpine nine-speaker audio system.

Compass (RED) model helps fund life-saving health programs around the world.

The Altitude package for the Latitude model includes 18-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels, Gloss Black exterior badges and accents and black-painted roof. The interior includes black premium cloth/vinyl seats with black stitching, a premium-wrapped steering wheel and Piano Black accents.

The 2023 Jeep Compass also has an updated wheel lineup, with designs up to 19 inches and blacked-out options. The Trailhawk model comes with a new painted Gloss Black wheel, while Sport and Latitude models have a new 17-inch painted alloy wheel design.

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