The Jeep Compass was introduced into Jeep’s lineup as a compact crossover SUV in 2007 and remains popular today. Jeep vehicles are known for their rugged styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Jeep Compass?
The Jeep Compass has a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds depending on the model year, engine, transmission, and whether or not you have a towing package installed.
There’s a bit more to know about Jeep Compass towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2023 Jeep Compass can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs.
A 2023 Jeep Compass Sport can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2023 Jeep Compass Latitude can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2023 Jeep Compass Latitude Lux can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2023 Jeep Compass Limited can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep CompassTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Sport | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 hp | 172 lb.-ft |
| Latitude | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Altitude | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Latitude Lux | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Limited | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Trailhawk | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| (RED) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| High Altitude | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Jeep Compass’s towing hooks which highlight it’s towing ability:
Jeep Compass Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Jeep Compass Braked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Jeep Compass Unbraked Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Jeep Compass Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Jeep Compass tow capacity.
Model Year
The Compass’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
Some years only had a max towing ability of 2,000 lbs regardless of the trim level, where others ranged from 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs based on other factors.
Trim Level
Some trim levels of the Jeep Compass had specific access to higher performance engines, making them able to tow more weight than lower trims.
Engine Type
The engine specs affected the towing capability of the Jeep Compass.
Some model years featured lower-powered engines that could tow a max of 1,000 pounds, while others had access to higher-performance engines that could tow 2,000 pounds.
Transmission Type
For some model years, Jeep Compass versions with a 6-speed automatic could only tow 1,000 pounds, while the same model year versions with a 9-speed automatic could tow 2,000 pounds.
FWD vs 4WD
There were a few model years in the middle of the Jeep Compass run where you could only tow 2,000 pounds with specific engine and transmission combinations if you had 4WD.
For those years, the same models with FWD could pull 1,000 pounds only.
Towing Package
There were quite a few years in the Jeep Compass models where you could only tow the max 2,000 pounds if you had a towing package installed, such as the Trailer Tow Prep Package or the Freedom Drive II Off Road package.
If you didn’t have these on some model years, your Compass would be limited to pulling 1,000 pounds.
Jeep Compass Engine Specs
There is only one engine option for the most recent generation Jeep Compass.
Jeep Compass 2.4L I-4 Gas Engine
The base Jeep Compass gas engine is a 2.4 Liter inline 4-cylinder SOHC engine.
This engine produces 177 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft of torque.
Jeep Compass Tow Package Info
Does The Jeep Compass Have A Tow Package?
Jeep does not offer a factory-installed tow hitch on the Compass, so you’ll need to add one on your own.
Some trim levels feature trailer sway damping as a standard option.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Jeep Compass?
If you plan on towing anything with your Jeep Compass, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Jeep Compass Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Jeep Compass uses a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Jeep Compass trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 400 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Jeep Compass and Patriot
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Compass:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Jeep Compass Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Compass, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Jeep Compass trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Jeep Compass?
The Jeep Compass does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Jeep Compass Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Compass to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Compass.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2022 Jeep Compass can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs.
A 2022 Jeep Compass Sport can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2022 Jeep Compass Latitude can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2022 Jeep Compass Latitude Lux can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2022 Jeep Compass Limited can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2022 Jeep Compass Trailhawk can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep CompassTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Sport | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 hp | 172 lb.-ft |
| Latitude | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Altitude | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Latitude Lux | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Limited | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| Trailhawk | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| (RED) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
| High Altitude | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | 177 h | 172 lb.-f |
2021 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2021 Jeep Compass can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs depending on the transmission it has.
The 2021 Jeep Compass with a 9 speed automatic transmission can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2021 Jeep Compass with a 6 speed automatic transmission is not recommended for towing by Jeep.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 9 Speed Automatic |
| All | Not Recommended | 6 Speed Automatic |
2020 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2020 Jeep Compass can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs depending on the transmission and whether it is FWD or 4WD.
The 2020 Jeep Compass with a 9 speed automatic transmission can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2020 Jeep Compass with a 6 speed automatic transmission is not recommended for towing by Jeep.
The 2020 Jeep Compass with a 4WD manual transmission can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2020 Jeep Compass with a FWD manual transmission is not recommended for towing by Jeep.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 9 Speed Automatic |
| All | Not Recommended | 6 Speed Automatic |
| All (4WD) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | Manual |
| All (FWD) | Not Recommended | Manual |
2019 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2019 Jeep Compass can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs depending on the transmission.
The 2019 Jeep Compass with a 9 speed automatic transmission can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2019 Jeep Compass with a 6 speed automatic transmission or a manual transmission is not recommended for towing by Jeep.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 9 Speed Automatic |
| All | Not Recommended | 6 Speed Automatic |
| All | Not Recommended | Manual |
2018 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2018 Jeep Compass can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs depending on the transmission.
The 2018 Jeep Compass with a 9 speed automatic transmission can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2018 Jeep Compass with a 6 speed automatic transmission or a manual transmission is not recommended for towing by Jeep.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 9 Speed Automatic |
| All | Not Recommended | 6 Speed Automatic |
| All | Not Recommended | Manual |
2017 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2017 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2017 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2017 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2017 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with either the Trailer Tow Prep Package or the Freedom Drive II Off Road Package can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2016 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2016 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2016 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2016 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2016 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with either the Trailer Tow Prep Package or the Freedom Drive II Off Road Package can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2015 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2015 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2015 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2015 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2015 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with either the Trailer Tow Prep Package or the Freedom Drive II Off Road Package can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2014 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2014 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2014 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2014 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2014 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with either the Trailer Tow Prep Package or the Freedom Drive II Off Road Package can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2013 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2013 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2013 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2013 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without a towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2013 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep Packag can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2012 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2012 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2012 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2012 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without a towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2012 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep Packag can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2011 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2011 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2011 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2011 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without a towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2011 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep Packag can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2010 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2010 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2010 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2010 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without a towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2010 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep Packag can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2009 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2009 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending on the engine and towing package you have installed.
The 2009 Jeep Compass with a 2.0L engine can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2009 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine without a towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
The 2009 Jeep Compass with a 2.4L engine with the Trailer Tow Prep Packag can pull 2,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L | N/A |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.4L | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.4L | Yes |
2008 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2008 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending if you have a towing package installed.
The 2008 Jeep Compass with a towing package can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2008 Jeep Compass without a towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | Yes |
2007 Jeep Compass Towing Capacity
The 2007 Jeep Compass can tow between 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs depending if you have a towing package installed.
The 2007 Jeep Compass with a towing package can pull 2,000 pounds.
The 2007 Jeep Compass without a towing package can pull 1,000 pounds.
| Jeep Compass Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Towing Package |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | No |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | Yes |
