Current Jeep Compass resale values tell the same story as the sales charts: it wasn't a high-demand product out of the factory, and it isn't a high-demand product in the second-hand market, either. In fact, if you know where to look, you can get a particularly well-equipped copy at just a few years old for as little as $15,000. This represents an excellent opportunity for shoppers to get into a modern, turbocharged, four-wheel drive with a fresh new cabin on the (relative) cheap.Specifically, two major updates have recently been applied to create the most compelling Compass package ever, consisting of an all-new interior and an all-new engine that followed each other to market, one year after the other. Here's What You Get For $15,000 Today StellantisBefore we dig into used Compass pricing, a little context on warranty and service requirements can be useful. The 2023 Compass has a five-year / 60,000-mile warranty on its powertrain, and a three-year, 36,000-mile basic limited warranty. This warranty could be void if the owner failed to properly maintain the Compass, neglected or abused it, or modified it.Note that the Compass needs new spark plugs at 60,000 miles, so budget for that maintenance if the unit you're considering is approaching that odometer reading.JeepPoint your search towards 2023 or newer model-year Compass units running both the updated interior and updated turbo engine, and you'll find the cheapest units on offer from around $15,000, possibly with a few miles worth of its 60,000-mile powertrain remaining. If you're after the high-grade Trailhawk version at this price point, expect an odometer reading approaching 100,000 miles instead.Jeep If you've got about $20,000 to spend, you'll find plenty of low and mid-grade models like the 2024 Compass Sport or 2024 Compass Latitude Lux on offer with less than 3,000 miles on their odometers, three years of powertrain warranty remaining, and no freight or delivery charges.Conversely, if you're looking to save $5,000 or more, move back a model year to 2022, where you'll find the same interior and refinement upgrades, but the old Tigershark non-turbo engine under the hood. Up To Speed On The Jeep Compass JeepThe Jeep Compass was originally conceived to give a budget-minded shopper access to a compact four-wheel drive vehicle at roughly the same price point as a compact front-drive car. Tumultuous early years and increasing competitive pressure meant that the Compass never became a sales superstar in the segment, held back by an unimpressive interior and unrefined drivelines.Competition was fierce, and during the Compass' first decade on sale, at least 15 new or heavily updated models were launched into the small SUV scene in which it was competing. The marketplace was exploding, but Compass sales weren't. Still, the model would keep Jeep in the compact SUV game and remained a relatively steady seller.The Jeep Compass first arrived in 2007 alongside the larger Patriot model that rode the same platform. These were the smallest and most economical points of entry to the Jeep brand at the time. Both machines were widely criticized for poor interior quality, and helped ruin customer perception of the CVT transmission for years to come.Elsewhere in 2007, Honda was selling a new third-generation CR-V. The Volkswagen Tiguan, with standard turbo engine, would arrive a year later in 2008, ditto the third-generation Forester. Within a decade of going on sale, the Compass would have at least 15 new or heavily updated competitors to contend with.In 2011, the Compass got a new, Grand Cherokee-inspired look to help generate more interest. The Subaru Crosstrek arrived two years later, in 2013, as a key competitor. The Honda HR-V arrived for the first time two years after that. By 2017, a new-generation Compass arrived, replacing the previous Compass and Patriot models before it.Subaru launched its second-generation Crosstrek the following year. A new wave of sub-compact models followed, including the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Kia Seltos. In 2022, the VW Taos and Toyota Corolla Cross started vying for the dollars of shoppers in this segment, too.Jeep By this point in the early 2020s, the Compass was outgunned: competitors were more modern, more refined, and had more modern engines under their hood that could deliver stronger, smoother performance using less fuel. To help the Compass tap into some of the latest action in the small utility scene, some major updates were required. Here's What Happened In 2023 JeepThe required updates rolled out in two phases for 2022 and 2023 model years, respectively. First, in 2022, a redesign fitted the aging Compass with a new interior, the latest technological must-haves, two available four-wheel drive systems, including one with low-range gearing, a new display and cluster layout, and a suite of advanced safety features included as standard kit.Drivers could now take in a new fully digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch center-stack display, and a complete upgrade to all trimmings, shapes, colors, and materials within.Jeep The 2022 update brought an impressive array of safety systems, including traffic sign recognition, standard Pedestrian / Cyclist Automatic Emergency Braking, forward collision warning, an available surround-view camera, active lane management, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross-path detection, and loads more.At this point, the Compass was still running its aging 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 9-speed automatic on models with four-wheel drive (and a six-speed automatic for front-drive units).Jeep With the interior and safety kit upgrades in 2022, Jeep focused on modernizing the powertrain for the 2023 model year. The old Tigershark engine was out, replaced by a powerful new 2-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection good for 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas. An 8-speed automatic was bolted up.The Compass also ran a class-exclusive, fully disconnecting rear axle and power-transfer unit (PTU) which can be mechanically decoupled from the driveline on demand to allow for "coasting" of the moving parts, saving fuel in the process. When four-wheel traction is required, all required components reconnect automatically, in milliseconds, with no driver decision-making required. The 2023 lineup shifted to a five-model affair, with Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, and Trailhawk variations as the core offerings.Jeep In this way, by the time 2023 rolled around, the Compass was running its best-yet interior, most powerful engine, and best-yet suite of standard safety technology. Steering and suspension systems were also updated to refine the drive. Best of all, shoppers after a solid compact SUV deal could find a second-hand copy with plenty of remaining warranty for around $15,000 today. Reasons For And Against StellantisThere are a few good reasons to consider a used 2023 or newer Jeep Compass, and a few good reasons not to. If you're a budget-minded shopper in the compact SUV space looking for a powerful engine, four-wheel-drive, all modern must-haves, and a high-tech suite of advanced safety features on all models, a used Compass of this vintage is worth a closer look.Since we're looking at vehicles that are just two to three years old, you'll likely be able to track down an affordable unit with plenty of remaining warranty, and be able to add additional warranty coverage if you like.Jeep Still, limited size, space, and towing capacity might leave some shoppers wanting a larger and more capable alternative. If you're looking for an SUV to accommodate a growing family, Jeep's smallest model might be easily outgrown in a few years. Use of a roof-mounted cargo box or gear carrier can help extend the space available to shoppers who prefer to run a smaller vehicle.Sources: Stellantis
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