2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot get 6-speed automatic option

The 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot continue largely unchanged for this year, but will now be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a few trim upgrades.

PowerTech, a subsidiary of Hyundai, will manufacture the 6-speed automatic transmission which will replace the existing poorly-performing CVT. The new transmission supposedly reduces ownership and maintenance costs with its “fill-for-life” design, so there is no transmission dipstick, and transmission filter/fluid changes are not required under normal driving conditions. Also, the use of low-viscosity fluid will help improve fuel economy.

Powertrain options for both Jeeps are between the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with 158 hp and 191 Nm of torque or the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder with 172 hp and 224 Nm. The 5-speed manual transaxle will still be available, and the CVT will still be offered in the “Trail Rated” offroad models.

The Compass gets shiny exterior trim to celebrate its last year of production, including a plated upper grille trim, new headlamps, fog light and tail lights have inner bezel treatments, painted mirror caps, optional new 18-inch wheels for the Limited and the optional rearview camera. On the insides, new trim on the Latitude version includes a sport mesh and vinyl seats, and on the Limited, customers can enjoy Saddle Brown perforated leather upholstery.

The 2014 Patriot, besides the addition of front seat-mounted airbags, doesn’t get much else.

Both vehicles are built in the United States at the Belvidere Assembly. For the GCC, the 2014 models are expected to arrive in showrooms by the summer of 2013.

Keep track of updates in the Jeep buyer guide.