Jeep Compass 2026 review: did it abandon its roots to become the ideal family SUV?
For years, “Jeep” has been synonymous with adventure and off-road capability. With the third generation of the Jeep Compass 2026, however, the compass is clearly pointing toward modern families and tech comfort. In this in-depth test and analysis, we dive into the details to see whether sacrificing some of that raw off-road character is worth the big gains in everyday usability.
New design: aerodynamics over boxiness
At first glance, it’s obvious that the classic, boxy Jeep silhouette has been toned down. The 2026 Jeep Compass now wears much sleeker, more aerodynamic lines. It is built on the new STLA Medium platform from Stellantis, the same architecture shared with the latest Peugeot 3008 and Opel Grandland.
This platform migration allowed Jeep to grow the Compass in almost every direction:
- Length: now around 4.55 m, roughly 15 cm longer than the previous generation.
- Width: broader shoulders give it a stronger presence on the road.
- Aerodynamics: drag coefficient (Cx) below 0.30, an excellent figure for a compact SUV and a key factor in energy efficiency.
Despite the modernization, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille lives on, though it’s now largely closed-off on the electric versions and visually slimmer. Narrow LED headlights and a smoother front fascia give the Compass a more “tech-forward” look than an old-school off-road face.
Interior: a major leap in space and technology
If the exterior might spark debate among hardcore Jeep fans, the cabin is where almost everyone will agree: this is a big step forward. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase, the Jeep Compass 2026 is now a serious contender among family-focused C‑segment SUVs.
Genuinely family-friendly space
The wheelbase has grown by about 16 cm, and rear passengers are the main winners. Rear legroom is up by roughly 5.5 cm, resolving one of the biggest complaints about the old Compass. The cargo area has also expanded to around 550 liters, and on the electric versions you get an additional 34‑liter front trunk (frunk) – perfect for charging cables or daily clutter.
Tech-heavy cockpit
Dominating the dashboard is a huge 16‑inch central infotainment screen, paired with a 10‑inch fully digital instrument cluster. The system is smooth, highly configurable, and supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates, placing the Compass among the most advanced models in its class.
For a broader view of the key automotive tech trends coming in the next model years, have a look at our in-depth report on 2025 car innovations and trends.
Engines and performance: electric, hybrid, and serious power
The Jeep Compass 2026 leaves behind the era of purely combustion engines and fully embraces electrification. Production is based in Melfi, Italy, to supply global markets with an extensive range of electrified powertrains.
- 48V Mild Hybrid: a 1.2‑liter turbocharged petrol engine with integrated 48V hybrid tech, producing around 136 hp. It targets low fuel consumption and smooth everyday driving, ideal for urban and suburban use.
- Plug‑in Hybrid (PHEV): combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of up to 195 hp. It offers an electric-only range of roughly 85 km, enough for most daily commutes without burning fuel.
- All‑Electric (BEV): the headline act, available in three main versions:
- Standard: front‑wheel drive, 213 hp, 73 kWh battery, offering about 500 km of range (WLTP).
- Long Range: front‑wheel drive, 230 hp, a large 98 kWh battery capable of up to 700 km of WLTP range, making it a long-distance champion in its segment.
- High Performance (AWD): dual‑motor, all‑wheel drive setup with up to 375 hp, making it the most powerful Compass ever built.
On-road behavior: comfort first, adventure second
Out on the road, the Jeep Compass 2026 shows a very different personality from its predecessor. It no longer feels like a rugged SUV that makes you aware of every pothole. The suspension has been tuned primarily for comfort, soaking up bumps and rough surfaces in a way that borders on premium American sedans.
The flip side is that steering feel and edge in corners are softer than some rivals. Compared with the Peugeot 3008, which shares its platform, the Compass feels less sporty and more relaxed in fast bends. Is that a downside? It depends. For a family buyer, long‑distance comfort often matters more than aggressive cornering capability.
Quick comparison: old vs new Jeep Compass
| Feature | Previous generation (up to 2025) | New generation (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Fiat Small Wide 4x4 | STLA Medium (new, multi-energy) |
| Length | Approx. 4.40 m | Approx. 4.55 m (+15 cm) |
| Boot capacity | About 438 liters | About 550 liters |
| Main infotainment screen | 10.1 inches | 16 inches |
| Max electric range | Not available | Up to ~700 km (long-range EV) |
| Peak power | 240 hp (4xe PHEV) | 375 hp (dual‑motor EV AWD) |
Verdict: did Jeep place the right bet?
The Jeep Compass 2026 is not a simple facelift; it’s a full reinvention. Some purists will certainly miss the squarer look and the rawer off‑road focus, but the market reality is clear: the majority of buyers want exactly what this new Compass delivers – more space, more tech, and far better efficiency.
Yes, it sacrifices some of the “hardcore adventurer” image, but in return it becomes a first‑class family SUV, able to stand up confidently against big names like the Tiguan, RAV4, and the latest wave of electric crossovers.
FAQ about the Jeep Compass 2026
Production and sales in Europe are expected to start in early 2025, with the model arriving in many international markets during the second half of 2025 as a 2026 model year.
The long-range EV version with the 98 kWh battery targets up to 700 km of WLTP range, while the standard EV version offers around 500 km. Real‑world figures will be slightly lower, but still very competitive in the compact SUV class.
Yes, but its mission has shifted. The all‑wheel drive versions (PHEV and dual‑motor EV) still offer decent off-road capability for light to moderate trails, with reasonable approach and departure angles. However, it’s no Wrangler – it’s set up more for rough tracks and bad weather than hardcore rock crawling.
Jeep is clearly moving toward electrification. The entry-level powertrain is a 48V mild‑hybrid petrol unit, so it still runs primarily on gasoline but always with electric assistance. In most markets, a completely non‑electrified petrol version is unlikely.
Thinking about buying the new Jeep Compass 2026?
Tell us what you think: do you prefer this smoother, tech-focused design, or do you miss the old, boxier Compass?
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