Starting in 2023 the sole engine available in the Jeep Compass is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder. In this vehicle it produces 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from Hyundai and features standard AWD on all models.
Known internally as the Global Medium Engine (GME), it has an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners and an aluminum head. It features direct fuel injection, dual variable cam timing and an automatic stop-start system. Its turbocharger is controlled by an electronically controlled waste-gate and intake charge cooling is handled by an air-to-water inter-cooler.
While the Jeep Compass is manufactured in Mexico, the engine and transmission are both assembled in the United States.
The layout of the engine compartment is a little bit unique with the turbocharger at the front of the engine in plain sight, easy to burn your hands on. Then there is the air filter box which actually sits high on top of the engine itself, taking up space afforded by the tall SUV’s profile.
In that way, following the airflow, the intake charge starts through a snorkel at the top of the radiator and travels back into the large air-filter box mounted on top of the engine. From there it travels through an ornate plenum to the turbocharger itself.
Once boosted, the intake charge travels up and to the rear of the engine where it goes through an integral intake manifold with an air-to-water inter-cooler built in. It’s hard to see but it’s back there.
On top of the engine you can see a couple of the spark plug coil packs but some are hidden. This means that replacing the plugs is likely a day job as you will need to remove at least the air filter box among other things to reach them all.
Spent exhaust gases exit through the turbocharger at the front of the engine then directly into the catalyst and exhaust system. There’s a lot of heat shielding here for a reason, this gets extremely hot so do watch your hands here.
DIY maintenance on the Jeep Compass begins with the oil dipstick at the passenger side front of the engine with its bright yellow handle. Further back you will find the oil filler cap. The oil filter has to be accessed from below.
There are two coolant reservoirs. One at the passenger side is for the inter-cooler system. The other at the driver side front is for the engine coolant. Brake fluid can be checked and topped off back at the driver side firewall, a bit of a task to get to but it’s there.
The 12-volt battery is located nearby with easy access. You can see the engine ECU next to the 12-volt battery but is not typically user serviceable. The main fuse box to its right and can be opened easily by popping a couple clips. A fuse removal tool can be found inside.
Changing the air filter does require tools and about 15 minutes of your time, we have a separate how-to video on this linked below and at the end of the video.
