Jeep Compass Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Depending on year, market and trim, Compass towing capacity ranges from not rated at all up to roughly 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) braked on the best-equipped variants - check your own placard for the number that actually applies to your car.
There Is No Single Compass Towing Number
Unlike a pickup truck, where the tow rating spread comes down to engine and axle choice, the Jeep Compass spread comes down to something more basic: many trims, in many markets and years, are not certified to tow a trailer at all. Where a rating does exist, it changes by generation, drivetrain and equipment (tow package, cooling, wiring).
Verified Figures We Could Corroborate
The most consistent published data we could verify comes from Australian-market towing references, which report figures in kilograms using the braked/unbraked convention. These numbers describe Australian-delivered Compass models and may not match the rating on a US, European or Latin American vehicle of the same year - drivetrain content differs by market.
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| First generation (2007-2010) | All engines, Australian-spec, fixed across the range | 3,307 lb / 1,500 kg braked; 1,653 lb / 750 kg unbraked |
| Second generation (2012-2024) | Tow-rated variants, Australian-spec (figure varies by trim and year) | 2,205-3,307 lb / 1,000-1,500 kg braked (sources vary by year) |
| Latest generation (2025-2026) | Australian-spec, current lineup | 3,197 lb / 1,450 kg braked |
| All generations, many trims | Base and mid trims without a tow package, several markets including some US-spec versions | Not rated for towing - do not attach a trailer |
| US-market Compass (all years) | Any engine/trim | Not independently verified in this research - see placard/manual |
Why We Are Not Giving You a US Pounds Figure
We searched dealer spec sheets, manufacturer pages and enthusiast/reference sites for a US-specific pounds figure tied to a documented trim and engine, and could not confirm one to our accuracy bar in this pass. Rather than repeat an unverified number that has circulated online, we are telling you plainly: check your own vehicle before you assume any capacity, including zero.
Where to Find Your Exact Rating
- The driver's door jamb placard, which usually lists trailer towing capacity directly beneath GVWR and axle ratings.
- The owner's manual towing section, which also covers required equipment (tow package, transmission cooler, wiring harness) and any speed or grade restrictions.
- The manufacturer's official towing guide for your model year and market, cross-checked against your build sheet or window sticker.
- A dealer parts/service advisor, who can pull the exact factory rating from your VIN.
Summary
| First-gen (2007-2010) braked max, AU-spec | 3,307 lb / 1,500 kg |
|---|---|
| First-gen (2007-2010) unbraked max, AU-spec | 1,653 lb / 750 kg |
| Second-gen tow-rated variants, AU-spec | 2,205-3,307 lb / 1,000-1,500 kg (varies by trim/year) |
| Latest generation (2025-2026), AU-spec | 3,197 lb / 1,450 kg |
| Many trims, all markets | Not rated for towing |
| US-market figure | Not independently verified - check placard |
| Authoritative source for your vehicle | Driver's door placard and owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Jeep Compass: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum the Jeep Compass can tow?
It depends entirely on your generation, market and trim. Verified Australian-market data shows up to 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) braked on the first generation and on the best-equipped later variants, but a large share of Compass trims across all markets and years - including some US-spec vehicles - have no towing rating at all. Check your door placard for your specific vehicle.
Does every Jeep Compass have a tow rating?
No. Reference data shows several years and trims rated at zero for towing, meaning the manufacturer does not certify that configuration to pull a trailer of any weight. Do not assume your Compass can tow just because another year or trim can.
Why do towing numbers differ between countries for the same year?
Compass models sold in different markets can carry different engines, cooling systems, wiring and suspension tuning, and each market's manufacturer sets its own certified rating. A figure quoted for an Australian-delivered Compass is not automatically valid for a US or European car of the same model year.
Where is the definitive towing figure for my specific Compass?
On the placard on the driver's door jamb, in the towing section of your owner's manual, or from a dealer who can look up the factory rating against your VIN. These reflect your exact build - engine, drivetrain, and any factory tow package - rather than a generic published average.