Jeep has unveiled the third-generation Compass compact SUV, promising to be “100% capable” with a range that includes front- and all-wheel drive with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-EV powertrains.
Jeep has revealed European versions of the 2026 Jeep Compass, with a strong focus on electrification in line with the brand’s growth in that area.
The new Compass will be introduced with a choice of three powertrains, including a 108kW mild-hybrid, 195kW plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. The Compass EV will be available with three outputs, starting with a 159kW single-motor front wheel drive version and topping out with a 280kW dual-motor all-wheel drive model.
Jeep has not yet disclosed full powertrain specifications, but the line-up is expected to follow that of the related Citroen C5 Aircross, with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid, and 1.6-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid with six- and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, respectively.
Like the C5 Aircross and Peugeot 3008, the Compass will be built on the Stellantis group’s STLA Medium platform.
Electric versions are claimed to have up to 650km or driving range, but entry-level EVs will be capable of 500km.
The Compass will be capable of charging at up to 160kW on a DC charger, enabling a 20-80 per cent recharge in 30 minutes. AC charging up to 22kW will also be available. Full details on battery capacity for the Compass have not yet been published.
Jeep has also outlined that the most powerful electric version of the Compass will be equipped with a 49kW/232Nm rear axle motor with a 14:1 reduction gear allowing, in effect, 3100Nm to the rear wheels. This motor is claimed to be capable of moving the Compass up a 20 per cent gradient on its own in situations where the front axle has zero traction.
European versions of the Compass will be built in Melfi, Italy, where the current Australian-specification Compass is sourced from, although North American production has been previously announced for Ontario, Canada.
With engineering input from Stellantis teams in Italy and the USA, the Compass has been redesigned to retain Jeep’s off-road capability with the brand touting all-road credentials like up to 200mm of ground clearance, and approach, departure, and breakover angles of 20, 26, and 15 degrees respectively, with a wading depth of up 470mm on front-wheel drive versions.
All-wheel-drive models promise even greater off-road capability with up to 27-degree approach, 31-degree departure, and 16-degree breakover potential. Jeep also promises “improved ground clearance and water fording” for all-wheel-drive models without defining those figures.
Selec-terrain off-road modes will also be standard across the range to provide additional all-terrain support.
The new Compass has grown in size, from 4.4 metres in length to 4.55 metres. Jeep claims this provides an additional 55mm of rear legroom, with a boot that has grown by 55L to 550L based on European specs (the outgoing Compass has a 438L boot in Australia).
Jeep has yet to announce the full list of specifications for the new Compass, but has detailed a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, 16-inch infotainment display with connected services and over-the-air updates, and support for Level 2 autonomous driving across the range.
Features like matrix LED headlights, smartphone mirroring, semi-autonomous lane change, and a head-up display are also expected to be available, though Jeep has yet to outline if these will be standard or reserved for high-spec vehicles.
Jeep’s focus on smaller vehicles and broader electrification options comes as sales grew by 10 per cent in Europe during 2024, with the smaller Jeep Avenger accounting for almost 80,000 of the brand’s 132,000 sales in that region.
Jeep will launch the Compass in Europe with a First Edition variant available with either the 108kW mild-hybrid engine or 159kW electric powertrain with a 500km driving range. The First Edition will feature 20-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, and a “360° protective material” on the lower bodywork to protect the bodywork from scratches.
European deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 (October to December). Jeep has indicated that the Compass is set to arrive in Australia from mid-2026 with local specifications yet to be confirmed.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
