“Conventional-automatic” Compass, Patriot coming soon

Dealers will be able to order the 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot starting on Tuesday, January 8, according to reliable source oh2o; production is currently slated for March. The primary difference between the 2014s and the 2013s will be a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the CVT.

The JATCO-supplied CVT, used with different tuning by Nissan, has been a major source of criticism for the vehicles.

While oh2o did not specifically state that this would happen, many observers expect the cars to use the new TigerShark versions of the “World Gas Engine.” The updated 2.0 and 2.4 liter engines produce more midrange torque and are reportedly more fuel-efficient than the originals. The 2.0 continues to use the original dual variable valve timing system, retuned for better responsiveness, while the 2.4 will use Fiat’s sophisticated MultiAir II system that can adjust valve timing for each cylinder individually. While the revised 2.4 would increase the cost of building the Compass and Patriot, it would also reduce complexity at the Dundee (Michigan) engine plant and improve the car’s competitiveness. The March production date is close to the expected launch of the Dart R/T (in April), which will be the first Dart to use the revised engine. (Dart R/T production has been delayed from January.)