It appears Jeep is hard at work developing the next generation of C-segment crossover, in line to replace the outdated Patriot and Compass crossovers. These spy shots give us a glimpse of what Fiat Chrysler has planned.

Though details are scarce, the vehicle should be far more advanced than either the Patriot or the Compass, and include a new powertrain, lighter materials, and a much more impressive interior.

There’s also no word on what FCA will call this vehicle. It could inherit either the Patriot or Compass name, or it could get an entirely different nomenclature altogether. We’re hoping for the latter.

This new crossover will help streamline Jeep’s lineup by eliminating redundancy and injecting more life into the brand with a fresh face. Jeep has already scored a major hit with the B-segment Renegade and is without a doubt looking for a similar follow-up.

Speaking of the Renegade, the new C-segment Jeep will likely be riding on a stretched and widened version of the Renegade’s platform, also shared with the Fiat 500X. That means it will employ a transversely mounted engine, while still offering 4WD as an option.

The vehicle is expected to debut in time for the 2017 model year, with its first showing likely scheduled for mid 2016.

Updated 06/16/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Jeep CUV our for a new testing session, and this time they were also able to take some shots of the interior.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Jeep CUV.

Spy Shots

June 16, 2016 - Jeep C-segment CUV reveals its interior

November 11, 2015 - First testing session

Exterior

In the first round of spy shots, thick camouflage covered the majority of the body, though the crossover’s shape is readily seen. The new pair of spy photos shows the Jeeps wearing swirly camo and sitting on a transport truck. These shots give us a much better view of the front fascia. It wears a somewhat rounded nose, looking almost like the Land Rover LR2. Its lower front fascia, however, sports a large opening with a low-hanging air dam. Turn signals can be spotted on the bumper corners. The roofline dips only slightly toward the D-pillar, but not enough to impede cargo room or second-row passenger comfort. The rear of the Jeep can only been seen in the first set of spy photos (the ones of the Jeep on the road.) Still, we can see the small window in the rear tailgate.

The previous spy shots also show some of the camo slipping off around the rear wheel well. It’s there that black plastic fender flares can be seen, hinting at the Jeep’s off-road intentions. The newest images show the crossover wearing five-spoke wheels with thick spokes. They’re wrapped in what appears to be all-season tires.

One interesting hint at this vehicle’s future market is the radar cruise control eye placed low and to the right on the front bumper. While that technology is no doubt becoming more accessible for the average buyer, it still carries a premium price in most cases. This could mean the Jeep’s upper level trims are swankier than before.

Interior

These spy shots reveal a ton about the new Jeep's interior. First, the Uconnect screen is massive. This is probably the next-generation of system using a 10-inch display and updated software. Hopefully Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as well. Below the infotainment screen are HVAC controls. It appears the system has three knobs that control the dual front temperature zones and fan speed. Buttons for defrost and vent position are scattered around the fan speed knob.

The center console also tells a story. We can plainly see a 12-volt power outlet, along with a single USB port and an AUX input jack. (Hey FCA, if you're reading this – add more USB ports!) There's also a large cubbyhole positioned further rearward. A familiar gearshift knob protrudes from a console that looks borrowed from the Renegade and Cherokee.

The steering wheel also provides clues. It's a three-spoke unit that looks to be similar to the one currently used in the Jeep Cherokee. It carries all the modern steering wheel buttons that control many of the vehicle's systems. A push-to-start button is seen recessed into the steering column. Perhaps lower trimmed models will make do with a traditional key, while more premium trims will offer the push-button feature.

Lastly, we can see a large chrome accent trim within the gauge cluster. Its rounded shape strongly points to conventional analog gauges – at least for the outboard speedometer and tachometer. We still suspect the Jeep to have a large driver information display embedded in the gauge cluster pack.

Drivetrain

Rumors swirling about suggest that the new Jeep crossover will come with FCA’s newest powertrain, the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder known as the Hurricane. Output specifics and fuel economy estimates are still undisclosed, but the engine is likely to produce somewhere between 160 and 184 horsepower and 148 and 171 pound-feet of torque – falling between the current 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Tigershark engines.

It’s a sure bet FCA will back the engine with its nine-speed automatic transmission.

Behind that, the Jeep will surely come with an optional 4WD system that powers the rear axle over rough or slippery terrain. The list of current 4WD systems include the Active Drive and Active Drive Low systems from the Renegade, along with the Active Drive I and Active Drive II found in the Cherokee. It will depend on a number of variables as to which 4WD system the new crossover receives. Jeep could even be developing a new drive system not found in its current lineup.

Prices

Though pricing information is far from being published, Jeep will likely charge somewhere between $18,000 and $22,000 for this new crossover. The Renegade is currently priced at $17,990 while the Cherokee starts at $23,395.

Competition

Subaru XV Crosstrek

It might be an odd comparison, but the XV Crosstrek offers a competent all-weather wheeler dressed as a five-door hatchback. Sure, it doesn’t have that SUV clout, but it does have respectable driving characteristics and offers impressive fuel economy.

Under the hood is Subaru’s 2.0-liter flat-four that produces 148 horsepower. It comes mated to your choice of a five-speed manual or CVT transmission and AWD is standard. Prices start at $22,445 and increase with options.

Read our full review on the Subaru XV Crosstrek here.

Honda HR-V

The HR-V is Honda’s newest competitor in the crossover game, slotting below the CR-V in terms of size and pricing. Though no one will mistake the HR-V for an off-roader, AWD is available, though it’s designed for all-weather competence rather than mud and ruts.

The Honda is powered by a somewhat pokey, 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. A CVT handles “gear changes” and FWD comes standard. Prices for the HR-V start at $20,015 and increase with options, especially AWD.

Read more about the Honda HR-V here.

Conclusion

It will be interesting to see what Jeep has planned with this new crossover. It hints of an up-market feel with its radar cruise control, yet logically should be slotted below the current Cherokee. Can Jeep make a premium compact crossover? Only time will tell.

We're expecting this Jeep to make its debut in mid-2016. Until then, stay tuned to TopSpeed for all the latest spy shots, news, and speculation.