“Honestly I love it! We considered multiple SUV's but this seemed to have the most room inside for the price. I would definitely get another jeep in the future!”
2021 Jeep Compass: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Jeep Compass is a light-update year led by the new 80th Anniversary special edition. It also moves to an automatic-only lineup, while the Limited and Trailhawk receive more standard driver-assistance features.
About the 2021 Jeep Compass
2nd generation Compass (2017-2025), final pre-refresh year before the larger 2022 U.S. styling and interior update.
Jeep positions the Compass as a small SUV that mixes everyday usefulness with more trail credibility than most compact crossovers. The brand’s 2021 messaging leans on “Every day is an adventure,” pairing city-friendly size, smartphone-ready tech, and a comfortable cabin with available 4x4 systems and a real off-road version in Trailhawk form. For most buyers, it is the Jeep choice for commuting, errands, road trips, and light trail use without moving up to a larger SUV.
The 2021 lineup ranges from the straightforward Sport and polished Latitude to the leather-trimmed Limited, while the 80th Spec Edition adds an 8.4-inch touchscreen, leather seats, remote start, and anniversary details. The 4x4-only Freedom brings a tougher look and extra trail hardware, while the Trailhawk remains the off-road-focused model with low-range gearing, added ground clearance, skid plates, and red tow hooks.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The manual transmission was dropped, making every 2021 Compass automatic. Front-wheel-drive models use a 6-speed automatic, while 4x4 models use a 9-speed automatic.
Styling
The anniversary-themed 80th Spec Edition and rugged, 4x4-only Freedom special edition joined the lineup. High Altitude, North Edition, Sun & Safety, and Sun & Wheel were dropped.
Safety
Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning became standard on Limited and Trailhawk. Trailhawk also made its alarm system standard.
Tech
Smartphone integration became standard on the Limited. The existing 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen systems otherwise carried over.
2021 Jeep Compass specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, PZEV, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 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 | 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 | 38.3 in | 38.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Jeep Compass?
The biggest change is the new 80th Anniversary special edition. It gives the Compass a more upscale anniversary-themed model with leather seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, remote start, larger wheels, and added driver-assistance equipment.
Does the 2021 Jeep Compass have a manual transmission?
No. Every 2021 Jeep Compass has an automatic transmission: a 6-speed automatic with front-wheel drive or a 9-speed automatic with 4x4.
What safety equipment changed on the 2021 Compass Limited and Trailhawk?
The Limited and Trailhawk made adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning standard for 2021. These features had been optional on the 2020 versions.
How different is the 2021 Jeep Compass from the 2020 model?
The 2021 Compass is only a light update over the 2020 model. Its body and 2.4-liter engine carry over, but the manual transmission is gone, two special editions join the lineup, and Limited and Trailhawk gain more standard safety equipment.
What are the 2021 Jeep Compass special editions?
The 2021 special editions are the 80th Spec Edition and Freedom. The 80th model emphasizes leather, convenience, and anniversary styling, while the 4x4-only Freedom adds black exterior details, an off-road suspension, a skid plate, and tow hooks.
2021 Jeep Compass Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Jeep Compass.
4.0
2021 Jeep Compass
(198 reviews)
“The Jeep Compass is fairly comfortable. But not as much compared to a car like the Ford Escape. The cabin is loud when driving. There is not much storage space in the cabin. The app is terrible. I am missing the coded entry, in case I don't have my keys on me. The driver's seat does not offer as much comfort as others I have driven.”
“I love just about everything about the Jeep Compass except the rear hatch opening. You have to use your hand, there is no release button to open it and it's not on the key fob.”