“Jeep Compass - brakes way too sensitive and stops abruptly. Driver seat left side unhinged from seat and getting worse since took ownership.”
2018 Jeep Compass: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 is a lineup reshuffle: the High Altitude Edition continues under the shorter Altitude name, retaining its blacked-out, style-focused theme. The Limited also gains a front-wheel-drive version, while the Compass's basic design and 2.4-liter engine carry over.
About the 2018 Jeep Compass
2nd generation Compass (MP), second model year after the 2017 redesign.
Jeep positioned the Compass as a compact SUV that brings real Jeep character into an easier-to-live-with size. The core pitch is a blend of everyday comfort, cargo flexibility, available advanced infotainment, and more authentic off-road ability than many compact crossover rivals. In this lineup, the Compass sits between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee, with Trailhawk giving the range a true trail-ready version instead of just a rugged look.
The 2018 lineup ranges from the functional Sport and comfort-focused Latitude to the leather-trimmed Limited, which has heated front seats and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Altitude is the dark-look version, with black exterior trim and 18-inch wheels. Trailhawk is the off-road model, with four-wheel drive, extra-low gearing, a raised suspension, skid plates, and tow hooks.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Limited gains a front-wheel-drive version paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine carries over across the lineup.
Styling
High Altitude Edition is renamed Altitude and continues with a black roof, gloss-black trim, black badging, and 18-inch wheels. The 75th Anniversary, Sport SE, All New Sport, and All New Latitude entries are dropped; alloy wheels and roof rails shift from standard to optional on Sport.
Safety
A rearview camera moves from optional to standard across the lineup.
Tech
A touchscreen moves from optional to standard across the lineup, while satellite radio moves from standard to optional. On Latitude, remote start and heated front seats also shift from standard to optional.
2018 Jeep Compass specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, PZEV, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | FWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | |||
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 32 mpg | |||
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp | |||
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | |||
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 59.8 cu-ft | 59.8 cu-ft | 59.8 cu-ft | 59.8 cu-ft | 59.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Jeep Compass a redesign?
No. The 2018 Compass is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2017, so its body structure, basic exterior design, and 2.4-liter engine carry over.
Did the Jeep Compass Altitude first appear for 2018?
No. The prior High Altitude Edition continues under the shorter Altitude name for 2018. It remains the appearance-focused Compass, with a black roof, gloss-black exterior details, piano-black cabin accents, and 18-inch wheels.
Does the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited come with front-wheel drive?
Yes. Front-wheel drive paired with a six-speed automatic joins the Limited range for 2018; the Limited had been four-wheel-drive-only for 2017.
What equipment became standard on every 2018 Jeep Compass?
A rearview camera and touchscreen become standard across the 2018 Compass lineup. Satellite radio moves in the other direction, changing from standard to optional.
Is the 2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk still the off-road trim?
Yes. The 2018 Trailhawk remains the off-road-focused Compass, with four-wheel drive, extra-low gearing, Rock mode, hill descent control, a raised suspension, skid plates, and red tow hooks.
2018 Jeep Compass Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Jeep Compass.
3.8
2018 Jeep Compass
(568 reviews)
“This is a good car has a lot of up-to-date tech and plenty of room up front. If it's just you and someone in your passenger seat. For a family, this car is very small. Not much room in the back seat, great features in the back seat just small. Other than that, great car.”
“The Jeep Compass is very comfortable and is much more roomy than you would think. I love the way it handles. I travel for my job, so I can affirm that the Jeep Compass is great on the road!”