2021 Jeep Compass To Drop Manual Gearbox Over Poor Demand

Despite purists advocating to keep manual transmissions alive, the truth is that they are slowly dying, and the latest model to lose the stick shift option will be the Jeep Compass.

The 2021MY Compass will only be available with either a six- or nine-speed automatic transmission, depending on the grade, hooked up to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 180 HP and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque.

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First noticed by CarsDirect, which cites an order guide sent to dealers, it was confirmed with FCA spokesperson Amy Grundman, who said that “there wasn’t much of a demand for a manual transmission”, as it seems that less than 1 percent, or around 100 units, of Compass SUVs sold Stateside were specified with a manual gearbox. Thus, coming across one on the used car market might be more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack. We also spoke to FCA which confirmed the news.

Losing the stick shift means that the base price will go up from the current $23,775 to $25,390, including destination, according to the website. Considering that the auto ‘box was a $1,500 option, that will be $115 more than the current entry-level Compass.

Until Jeep reshuffles the lineup, the 2020 Compass remains listed on the official website, with an MSRP of $22,280 for the Sport FWD and $25,870 for the Latitude 4×4. The North Edition 4×4 and Altitude FWD start at 27,975 and $27,290 respectively, while for the Limited FWD, Trailhawk 4×4 and range-topping High Altitude FWD you are looking at a minimum of $28,875, $29,850 and $31,145 respectively.