The Jeep Compass isn’t the first name you think of when the brand is mentioned, but maybe it should be. The Compass might be the cornerstone model of the future.
Jeep recently dropped the first teaser of the next-generation Compass, and the future of this subcompact crossover SUV could be exciting. The new model will arrive in the American market in 2026, one year after its release in Europe. This new small Jeep SUV will cover all of the power possibilities, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric. This small size and powertrain selection might make it easier for some drivers to move to alternative fuel options.
Why is the Compass ripe for these changes?
Electric and hybrid vehicles are generally more expensive than gas-powered models. This has translated into many consumers waiting for something new to happen to allow them to move toward alternative fuel vehicles. Chevrolet already has several successful EVs, and a big part of the success is the lower price for the Bolt, Equinox, and Blazer.
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are high-selling models, and the smaller versions of the larger Model S and Model X. It’s becoming clear that smaller electric vehicles have a better chance at sale success than larger, more expensive models. This means the Jeep Compass could be the perfect choice for future powertrains in a Jeep.
The current Compass is long in the tooth
The automotive world is moving fast. This seems to mean many vehicles must change generations sooner than before. The current Compass has been around since 2016. The tiny Jeep received a facelift in 2021, but its long overdue for a major redesign. Some recent teaser images have been released to give us a look at what this new Compass could offer. These teaser images hint at a more sculpted look with large shoulders and a wraparound window area.
A new platform for Jeep
The next generation of the Jeep Compass will be the third generation of this model, and it will be the first vehicle built on the STLA Medium platform. This means it will pave the way for other small SUVs that should use this platform. It will be the underpinnings for vehicles sold around the world from the many Stellantis brands.
We know a few things
The next Compass will offer 4WD and several powertrains, but most of the specifics aren’t being released yet. Thankfully, we will see this SUV in Europe one year ahead of when it will arrive in the United States. This means we can learn more about what it will have in America before it arrives and even gain a few insights into its equipment package. The STLA Medium platform is meant to accommodate all types of powertrains, giving the new Compass everything desired.
Expect more power in this new Jeep
The new Jeep Compass will have several powertrains, and we could see an entry-level mild-hybrid model with a 1.2-liter gas engine that boosts the power to give this powertrain much more power than expected. We could also see several EV models, including a dual-motor AWD version that could send at least 316 horsepower to the wheels. If it’s has the setup we expect, it could deliver up to 435 miles of driving range on a single charge, which is a long driving range for an EV.
The Jeep promise
This new Compass is expected to deliver what we expect and desire from the brand. This means it should be an affordable subcompact SUV that performs well and brings advanced technology to the road. This means we should see an advanced and sophisticated infotainment system and a full package of advanced driver assistance system. This could be the first small SUV from Stellantis that has everything most drivers look for in a small SUV, including a choice of great powertrains to deliver a desired level of fuel mileage.
Production will begin in Italy
Although the Jeep brand is American, the production of this new subcompact SUV will begin at the Melfi plant in Italy next year. Other locations will be added after that for the Jeep to serve its major markets. This SUV should be built in the same areas where the current models are made. This means adding it to the factory line in Ranjangaon in India, Pernambuco in Brazil, and Toluca in Mexico. These four locations serve over 100 markets around the world with the Compass.
The new Jeep Compass could open the door to a brand new package of Jeep powertrains, qualities, and features that will be right for the future.
