2023 Jeep Compass turbo revealed, no plans for Australia

The Jeep Compass is getting a shot of adrenaline in the form of a new turbocharged version, but it isn’t set to come here.

Jeep Australia has confirmed there are no plans at this time to bring the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder variant, which will be produced in Mexico. Australian-market Compasses come from India.

The new direct-injected engine, part of the Stellantis Global Medium Engine family, produces 149kW of power and 300Nm of torque.

That’s up 20kW and 71Nm on the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four it replaces, and which remains the standard engine in Australia.

The turbo four is mated exclusively with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, and Jeep promises lower emissions, a quicker (though unspecified) 0-60mph time, and enhanced drivability plus smoother shifts from the new auto.

Jeep has also added a larger rear stabiliser bar and retuned the electric power steering system,

The flagship Trailhawk also adopts the new turbo engine, as the turbo-diesel offered in the local-spec Trailhawk isn’t sold in North America. It continues to use Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system, with a Rock mode, a 20:1 crawl ratio, and a selectable low-range-type mode, plus hill descent control.

Both Active Drive Low and the standard Active Drive all-wheel drive system feature a disconnecting rear axle and power-transfer unit to enhance fuel economy.

The 2023 Compass receives some minor specification adjustments in North America, with new 17- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs across the range and standard rear-seat reminder and driver attention monitoring across the range.

There’s also a previously revealed (RED) special edition, based on the Limited, with Redline Red mirror caps, a body-coloured roof and lower cladding, and 19-inch painted aluminium wheels.

The updated model launches in North America in the first quarter of 2023.

Jeep’s small SUV range already received a mid-life update for 2022 that brought a new interior, revised exterior styling, upgraded infotainment, and an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology.

The updates have filtered through to the Mexican, Indian and Italian-built Compasses.

While Australia has received these updates, it has yet to receive the 4xe plug-in hybrid which is produced exclusively in Italy.

This uses a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine mated with an 11.4kWh lithium-ion battery and a rear-mounted electric motor for all-wheel drive. Total system outputs are 142kW or 179kW, depending on the variant.

MORE: Everything Jeep Compass