Jeep® Pulls Off The Covers Of Its New “Advanced 2.0-liter Turbo” Compass!

Building upon a very successful mid-cycle action (MCA) last year, the popular Jeep® Compass (MP) C-SUV comes into the 2023 model year with an all-new powertrain.

In September, MoparInsiders.com discovered several documents posted to the Stellantis fleet website showing that the 2023 Jeep Compass would adopt the same turbocharged engine found under the hood of the Grand Cherokee (WL) and Wrangler (JL). Shortly after we posted our findings, Stellantis quickly removed the details from its fleet website.

But now, Stellantis has decided its time to unveil its 2023 Jeep Compass and unveil they did. A new powertrain is standard across the lineup with a new turbocharged engine, new 8-speed automatic transmission, and standard four-wheel drive (4×4).

The surprising thing is, the powertrain update is quite different than what we thought it would be. But in a good way.

Engine – 

We have learned that the Compass will be using the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder (also known as the GME-T4) a lot differently than the rest of the current vehicles in the Chrysler Group portfolio and that includes the Compass’ new corporate cousin: the 2023 Dodge Hornet C-UV.

Unlike the Hornet, which also will have the GME-T4 engine that requires premium unleaded fuel (93 Octane), the Compass will only require regular unleaded fuel (87 Octane). The results is a massive difference in output, however, it may not be a bad thing considering how much people are spending at the pump these days. A brilliant move in my opinion to help distance the two C-UVs, which will begin competing against each other in many dealer showrooms in Q1 2023 across North America.

For reference, the regular unleaded fuel Compass is rated at 200 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. (300 N•m) of torque, while the more performance-oriented premium-fueled Hornet will deliver 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. (400 N•m) of torque.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also given the 2023 Jeep Compass a fuel economy rating of 24 MPG city / 32 MPG highway / 27 MPG combined. Official numbers for the Hornet have not been released yet.

The move to the turbocharged engine comes after years of owners complaining about the sluggishness of the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four-cylinder that sat under the hood since the current generation was launched in 2017.

The new 2.0-liter engine features a twin-scroll, low inertia turbocharger with an electric actuated waste gate for exceptional responsiveness and performance, even while traversing over difficult terrain. The turbo is mounted directly to the cylinder head to reduce emissions and improve durability. A dedicated cooling circuit lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body, and turbocharger. It is also equipped with engine stop-start (ESS) technology to help save fuel when the vehicle is stopped.

Standard 4×4 Capability – 

Like we said before, every 2023 Jeep Compass sold in the U.S. or Canada will now come standard with 4×4. In the case of the Compass, two Jeep 4×4 systems are available: Jeep® Active Drive & Jeep® Active Drive Low.

The standard Jeep Active Drive 4×4 system standard on all models (except Trailhawk) features a rear axle disconnect that seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive to help increase efficiency when 4×4 capability isn’t needed. The Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System manages traction to give you all-weather capability in four modes: Auto, Snow, Sport and Sand/Mud.

For the diehard off-roaders out there, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is fitted with the Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 system. The system gives the Compass Trailhawk best-in-class 4×4 capability thanks to a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range for Trail Rated^® capability. The system also adds a fifth mode: Rock.

Selec-Terrain includes standard Hill-descent Control on Trailhawk models. Hill-descent Control maintains vehicle speed down steep, rugged grades by actively controlling the brakes, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

The 2023 Compass features a class-exclusive fully disconnecting rear axle and power-transfer unit (PTU) in order to provide enhanced fuel economy. Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4×4 systems instantly engage when 4×4 traction is needed.

New 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 

A new 8F30 8-speed automatic transmission makes its debut in the 2023 Jeep Compass. Standard across the lineup, the new 8-speed provides a more responsive driving experience Jeep says, with quicker acceleration and smoother shifting. The new transmission enables the Compass to optimize engine output for smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds.

The 8-speed has also been specially calibrated for the Compass’ 4×4 systems. That includes the Trailhawk, which gives the Trail Rated model a rock-crawl first gear ratio of 4.71:1. It is coupled to a 4.398 final drive to deliver the Trailhawk’s 20:1 class-leading crawl ratio.

The 2023 Jeep Compass will be available in five core trim levels (Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk). Ordering has opened with the first models scheduled to arrive in January 2023. For more information on how to order a 2023 Compass, please contact your local Jeep dealer.