A replacement for the current 2016 Jeep Patriot and Compass is nearing its launch in Brazil later this year, with versions of the vehicle produced and heading to North American showrooms early next year as a 2018. This new model will be offered as a single product line with a new name. As such, it will supplant both the more traditional SUV-inspired Patriot crossover as well as the more car-like hatchback Compass.
Based on an extended version of the 2016 Jeep Renegade subcompact crossover SUV platform, this longer and larger entry is expected to slot between the Renegade and Jeep Cherokee to compete more directly with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson.
Front- and all-wheel drive likely
As is the case with this new generation of crossover SUVs, the 2018 Jeep Compass/Patriot replacement will offer a transversely mounted 4-cylinder engine, most likely FCA’s 2.0-liter Tigershark powerplant, driving the front-wheels in base mode and also offer all-wheel drive as an option. That AWD model will also likely be available in trail-rated Trailhawk variant.
The camouflaged test units reveal that exterior styling will be more fluid like the Cherokee as opposed to the boxy shape of the Renegade. Still, the long wheelbase and relatively short front and rear overhangs along with generous ground clearance indicate that this new model is being developed to do some serious off-road work.
