Jeep->ke40 apparently has plans on consolidating is small crossover->ke288 lineup as the Compass and Patriot reach the end of their life cycles. In fact, rumor has it the two vehicles will be replaced with a single crossover Jeep is currently calling the Compatriot. Nope, this is no April Fools.

The obvious meshing of the Compass and Patriot names produces a word which is defined as, “a fellow citizen or national of a country.” Seems fitting for a brand dripping with Americana.

Regardless of its name, the Compatriot news comes directly from Jeep’s director, Jim Morrison. In an interview with Click past the jump to read more about Jeep's future model., Morrison says the new model will fill the gap between the new 2015 Renegade and the larger Cherokee. This brings the number of Jeeps vehicles down by one, yet will assuredly offer higher levels of quality and refinement over the outgoing pair.

The new model is still some time away, as Morrison sheepishly admitted in the interview Jeep won’t likely be ready to announce the product until 2016 before its 2017 debut at dealerships.

Click past the jump to read more about Jeep's future model.

Why it matters

The Compatriot does have big shoes to fill. The Compass posted some 132,000 sales while the Patriot brought in 122,000 sales for 2014 globally. Combined the two Jeeps contributed more than a quarter million units to Jeeps total 2014 sales of 1,017,000 units. Sure, things will skew differently for 2015 as the new Renegade is sure to steel sales away from the aging pair, but the remaining difference in sales will have to be carried by the Compatriot.

Let’s just hope the new Jeep holds true to the heritage the brand is known for.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass takes after its big brother, the Grand Cherokee. It shares similar looks inside and out, along with the Trail Rated badge on certain models. While the Compass did get a welcomed update for 2014, the unibody crossover is destined to be killed off by 2017. That’s where the Compatriot comes in.

Under the Compass’ hood are two engine options: the 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 172 horses and 165 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing for the Compass starts at $18,495 and can grow in excess of $27,000 for the top-trim Limited in 4WD.

Jeep Patriot

Like the Compass, the Patriot uses much of the same technology. Looks wise, the Patriot takes after the old Jeep Liberty and its squarish design. Though the Patriot is slightly more car-like than the Compass, it still utilizes the same unibody platform as the Compass – which itself is a relic from the old Dodge Caliber.

Powering the Patriot are the same engine options as the Compass. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque while the optional 2.4-liter four-banger produces 172 horses and 165 pound-feet of torque. In keeping with the Compass, the Patriot is offered in both FWD and 4WD.

Prices for the Patriot start at an all-too-similar $18,195 and tops out around $26,000. No wonder Jeep wants to consolidate these models.