2012 Jeep Compass: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Jeep Compass is its reorganized three-trim lineup: Sport, Latitude, and Limited. This is otherwise a light update, not a redesign.
About the 2012 Jeep Compass
1st generation Compass (2007-2016), second model year after the major 2011 redesign and cabin update.
Jeep positioned the Compass as a compact SUV for shoppers who wanted everyday size and fuel economy without giving up Jeep styling or available all-weather capability. In the brochure, Jeep leaned hard on the idea of a small crossover with a Jeep look, useful cargo flexibility, and optional off-road credibility. That made the Compass stand out less as a polished family crossover and more as an affordable small SUV with a more adventurous image and stronger snow-and-trail appeal than many rivals.
The Sport is the straightforward, practical model, with roof rails, fog lamps, and a split-folding rear seat. Latitude adds daily comfort with heated cloth front seats, flexible seating, and a household-style power outlet, while Limited brings a 2.4-liter engine, heated leather-trimmed seats, a power driver seat, and automatic climate control.
What changed, by category
2012 Jeep Compass specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT w/OD & AS | Auto, CVT w/OD & AS | Auto, CVT w/OD & AS |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21–23 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26–29 mpg | 26 mpg | 26–27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 158–172 hp | 172 hp | 158–172 hp |
| Torque | 141–165 lb-ft | 165 lb-ft | 141–165 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 53.6 cu-ft | 53.6 cu-ft | 53.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Hill Start Assist | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Jeep Compass?
The biggest change is the reorganized trim lineup. The 2012 Compass range consists of Sport, the newly standalone Latitude, and Limited.
Is the 2012 Jeep Compass a redesign?
No. The 2012 Compass is a light update that carries forward the major exterior and cabin revisions introduced for 2011.
What is different about the 2012 Compass Latitude?
Latitude becomes its own trim for 2012 rather than remaining a package on the base Compass. It groups comfort features such as heated cloth front seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a reclining rear seat, a household-style power outlet, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Did the 2012 Jeep Compass get any transmission changes?
Yes. Jeep recalibrated the continuously variable automatic transmission for better response, but there was no major powertrain overhaul.
Is the 2012 Compass substantially different from the 2011 model?
No. The 2012 Compass mainly reorganizes the trims and updates the automatic transmission’s response; the larger styling and interior improvements arrived for 2011 and carry over.