Chrysler has announced that it will overhaul the interiors of its Jeep Compass and Patriot crossover vehicles. The two Jeep models have been widely criticized for their interiors — mostly due to the use of cheap, hard plastic and less-than-stellar fit and finish.
The interior upgrade comes much sooner than the typical mid-life refresh as the two models have only been on the market for about a year.
Ralph Gilles, a Chrysler designer, also revealed that the Detroit automaker wasn’t completely satisfied with the interiors at launch. “Even before these products were launched, we did some soul searching,” Gilles told Automotive News.
The lackluster interiors have hurt the Compass and Patriot, making them the two worst selling Jeep s in the U.S. market.
The refresh will include softer materials, especial in elbow contact areas such as the doors and center console.
Gilles failed to mention when the revised Jeeps would make their debut, but did reveal that the Jeeps’ platform mate — the Dodge Caliber — would receive a similar updated shortly after.
But the Jeep Compass and Patriot are not the only Chrysler vehicles in need of a major interior revamp — the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans have also suffered from sub-par interiors. The two are reportedly receiving an emergency overhaul, and Chrysler co-president recently told Leftlane that the revised cars should hit the market late next month.
