The Compass That Can’t Find North
Needless to say, the current U.S.-spec Jeep Compass is long overdue for an update. While the third-generation Compass debuted globally in 2025, production has so far been limited to Italy, leaving U.S. buyers without the redesigned model. Unfortunately, those waiting for the updated version may have to wait a little longer, as MoparInsiders reports another delay at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois.
The report states that United Auto Workers Local 128 President Matt Frantzen addressed a delay of roughly seven months in reopening the plant. “I have spoken with [UAW Vice President Rich Boyer] about the rumors we’ve heard regarding a potential delay here in Belvidere,” Frantzen told members. “He has spoken with the corporation, and they confirmed that there is a delay of approximately seven months.”
The Belvidere Assembly Plant is slated to produce the next-generation Compass, along with the all-new Cherokee (KM), which is currently assembled at the Toluca Car Assembly Plant in Mexico.
Manufacturing on Hold
Stellantis, the parent company of brands like Jeep and Dodge, has halted production at the Belvidere Assembly Plant since February 2023 following the discontinuation of the previous-generation Cherokee. Last year, the automaker committed more than $600 million to reopen the Illinois facility, a move that was projected to create about 3,300 jobs as part of a broader $13 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing.
With the roughly seven-month delay, production could now reportedly begin around June 2028. The plant is undergoing retooling as part of a wider manufacturing overhaul across Stellantis facilities, as the company continues to broaden its powertrain strategy to accommodate additional electrified options—most notably range-extended EVs such as the Ram 1500 REV.
Now Stretching to 2028
As such, the U.S. market will continue to miss out on the newer Compass, which is underpinned by STLA Medium. The platform supports a wide range of powertrains, including plug-in hybrid and fully electric configurations. Based on the European online configurator, the all-electric version is currently offered with a WLTP-estimated range of up to 310 miles, a figure that would be expected to be lower under the EPA testing cycle used in the United States.
The current U.S.-spec Compass dates back to its introduction in 2016, making it one of the oldest vehicles still on sale in Jeep’s lineup. It serves as the brand’s entry-level SUV, with a starting price of $28,995 before destination charges. Meanwhile, the all-new, Mexico-built Cherokee has already begun deliveries this year, with pricing starting at around $35,000.
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Rex Sanchez
News Editor