2018 Jeep Compass hits reboot on aging crossover

As SUVs and crossovers flood the market, there's nothing quite like a new Jeep to strum the sentiment strings, and that's clearly what the company hopes to do with an early preview of its next big launch. The 2018 Jeep Compass has been revealed, coinciding with Brazilian production kicking off in Goiana, Pernambuco today, though we'll have to wait a little longer for all the details.

What we know today is that the 2018 Compass is being described by Jeep as "all new", a complete redesign of the existing crossover. That's no bad thing, considering the first-generation Compass was certainly showing its age: in fact, the design on dealer forecourts today dates back to the model's introduction in 2007.

Last month, in fact, the Compass was Jeep's second-weakest seller in the US, only narrowly beating the Renegade.

Jeep says there'll be a choice of 17 different powertrain options, though every one won't necessarily be available in each of the 100+ countries the SUV will be sold in.

Four trims are expected to be offered: in the US, that will kick off at Sport, rising through Latitude, Limited – which will be the most luxury-focused version – and finally Trailhawk, which will emphasize the Compass' off-road credentials.

Tech equipment for North America is yet to be confirmed, but going by Jeep Brazil there'll be Fiat Chrysler's UConnect 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system – with optional navigation – along with a Beats Audio system equipped with a 506W amp.

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A panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, blind-spot information, forward collision warning, 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and a reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control are also expected to be available. Meanwhile, the full-time all-wheel drive system will use Jeep's SelecTerrain; in Brazil, that'll mean settings for hill-descent, along with options for tackling snow, sand, mud, and rock.

Most importantly, however, it'll be an opportunity to hit reset on the Compass' safety record. The first-generation crossover scored just two out of five stars in Euro NCAP testing back in 2012, while the NHTSA rated it at three out of five the following year.

In the US, the 2018 Jeep Compass will go on sale in the first quarter of 2017, with pricing, engine, and other specifications set to be confirmed closer to that point. As well as replacing the first-gen Compass, it's also expected to kill off the Jeep Patriot.