Dubbed by some the Compatriot, Jeep’s replacement for the current Compass and Patriot is expected to be introduced in the US towards the end of the year, with sales to start in the first quarter of 2017.

Autonews reports that Jeep brand boss told an Australian news outlet that the vehicle will make its world premiere in the third quarter of the year in Brazil, before making its US debut later in the fall. 

Pilot production will begin in May, in Toluca, Mexico, and besides this plant, Jeep will also build its compact SUV in Pernambuco, Brazil, with full production to kick off on February 1, 2017, in Mexico. The current Compass and Patriot will remain on the Belvidere line until December 31, this year.

The as-of-yet unnamed vehicle will ride on a stretched version of the platform used on the Renegade. It will gain a more rugged Trailhawk version in the future, while its engine lineup is believed to include a new 2.0-liter four-pot turbo, which will probably be connected to a 6-speeed manual gearbox and 9-speed auto. Cheaper models are expected to come in FWD, while AWD will be available on more expensive versions.

PHOTO GALLERY