Australia-Bound 2026 Jeep Compass Embraces Electrification and Rugged Styling
By Somnath Chatterjee - News
Published: 25 May 2025 |Last Updated: 23 May 2025
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Readtime: 5 min
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Automaker Jeep has unveiled a first look at the 2026 Jeep Compass .
. Built on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform , the new vehicle will be available with three powertrain options: e-Hybrid, e-Hybrid plug-in and full electric with up to 650 km range.
, the new vehicle will be available with three powertrain options: with up to 650 km range. The First Edition is available to order now, with deliveries set to begin in Q4 2025.
Jeep has finally taken off the covers of its third-generation Compass, and it's a bold new look for one of the marque's most important vehicles. Based on the new Stellantis STLA medium platform, the 2026 Jeep Compass is the first in the range to truly embrace electrification, marking a pivotal (if not slightly belated) move towards progression.
With over 2.5 million sales worldwide, Jeep is a brand that is desperate to maintain prestige, particularly as the EV market heats up. Over the past five years, the automaker has poured millions into research and development, focusing much of its attention on making the Compass future-proof. The resulting impact is an upgraded powertrain lineup that is far more geared towards hybrid and EV expansion. However, before we've even copped a glimpse of what is under the hood, it's worth taking a gander at the 2026 Jeep Compass design.
2026 Jeep Compass | Image: Stellantis
2026 Jeep Compass Design
For this new model, Jeep has taken a more rugged approach, pulling design cues from its Avenger sibling while also staying true to the brand's off-road DNA. While the staple slot grille is there, the proportions have been squared off and reshaped to provide a clear 'family-design' influence, particularly on the larger models.
Despite being one of the most compact vehicles manufactured from the STLA Medium Platform, the 2026 Compass is still longer than the earlier generation model at 4.55 metres, and that influence flows through almost every element. The extended wheelbase adds 55mm of additional legroom, a larger 34-litre front interior storage compartment, and an increased boot capacity of 45 litres, which increases it to 550L. Jeep also tapped another fan favourite for the exterior elements, introducing increased wheel sizes and slimmer Matrix LEDs that bear a striking resemblance to those seen on the larger Grand Cherokee.
2026 Jeep Compass | Image: Stellantis
2026 Jeep Compass | Image: Stellantis
2026 Jeep Compass | Image: Stellantis
Interior
On the inside, it is a similar story. The interior boasts far more technology than previous generations, including a 16-inch touchscreen that stretches all the way across to the passenger side, along with a 10-inch driver display. Jeep also claims it has packed in OTA updates, connected car technology and Level 2 autonomous driving with a heads-up display. In a statement announcing the 2026 Jeep Compass launch, Fabio Catone, head of Jeep Brand in Enlarged Europe, described the new vehicle as a step into the future.
'The new Jeep Compass boldly represents the brand's forward-thinking philosophy, highlighting our dedication to not only meeting today's market demands but also anticipating tomorrow's opportunities,' Catone said.
'This vehicle is the perfect expression of the Jeep ruggedness and performance, delivering state-of-the-art solutions while preserving our commitment to electrification and sustainability. Crafted for outdoor adventures yet perfect for everyday use, the new Jeep Compass stands as a powerful testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and versatility, designed to meet the diverse needs of customers around the world.'
2026 Jeep Compass | Image: Stellantis
2026 Jeep Compass Powertrain
Where things get interesting is in the powertrain choice, as all-wheel drive appears to be available exclusively on the electric iteration only. For lovers of the diesel offering, that may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it's hardly surprising given the market changes in recent years. Instead, Jeep has gone all-in on versatility, with the 2026 Compass offered in one of six options, including:
145 HP 48V Hybrid
195 HP Hybrid Plug-in
3 BEV versions (213hp in the front-wheel drive version up to a sizeable 375hp in the all-wheel drive form).
According to Jeep, the 375 hp dual motor version has a powerful rear motor added, which gives an additional 49 kW of peak power and up to 232 Nm torque. Meanwhile, the range on offer is up to 650km, and that is substantial, while the charging speeds include a 160kW DC charger offering a 30-minute 20-80 per cent recharging time, plus there is an onboard charger with up to 22kW. For the EV versions especially, aero has been improved with details like active aero shutters and a flat underfloor.
2026 Jeep Compass First Edition | Image: Stellantis
The automaker has also confirmed that a First Edition aimed at the European market will be available with either a 48V e-Hybrid with 145 hp or a BEV variant with 213 hp and 500km range. The First Edition would have 20-inch wheels, cloth/vinyl seats, a rear camera with front/rear sensors, and more.
On the technical side of things, Jeep is adamant that even the front-wheel drive version is capable in the rough stuff thanks to a ground clearance of up to 200 mm, approach angle of 20°, breakover angle of 15° and departure angle of 26°. Selec-terrain will be standard on all versions and water adding capability is 450mm. The more potent all-wheel drive version, though, has 27 degrees of approach angle, 16 degrees of breakover, 31 degrees of departure angle, and even better ground clearance and water fording, plus Hill Descent Control as standard.
2026 Jeep Compass | Image: Stellantis
Availability
Available in six colours linked to 'natural landscapes', the new Compass will eventually come to Australia by the middle of next year, while European deliveries will start later this year. The new Compass will give Jeep a solid contender in the mainstream SUV space. For European fans, the First Edition is available to order now, with deliveries set to begin in Q4 2025.
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