The third-generation Jeep Compass has been revealed with a new platform and a range of hybrid and electric powertrains for the first time.
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The new-generation small SUV is due on sale here during the second half of 2026, though European deliveries will begin much earlier in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The European-market Compass has been revealed first, and will continue to be built in Melfi, Italy, where Jeep Australia sources the outgoing model from. However, the new Compass will also be built in other locations, like the current model which is produced in Brazil, India and Mexico.
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The redesigned Compass shares its STLA Medium platform with the new Peugeot 3008, which allows a full-electric powertrain to join mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Jeep hasn't published full details for the Compass' powertrain range, and Jeep Australia hasn't confirmed which options will be offered here.
However, we know that in Europe the Compass will be offered as a 48V mild-hybrid with 108kW of power, a plug-in hybrid with 145kW of power, and the choice of three electric powertrains.
These range from a single-motor front-wheel drive configuration with 159kW of power, and top out with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with a heady 280kW of power – making it far and away the most powerful Compass ever offered.
Jeep says this powertrain has a new brand-exclusive, more powerful rear electric motor that pumps out an additional 49kW and 232Nm.
This isn't just for the traffic light grand prix, as Jeep says that coupled with a 14:1 rear reducer this translates to 3100Nm available at the rear wheels, allowing for maximum traction off the beaten track.
Moreover, Jeep claims this is enough to get the Compass up a 20 per cent slope, even with zero traction at the front wheels.
Jeep claims even front-wheel drive Compass variants will be "100 per cent capable", with ground clearance of up to 200mm, a wading depth of up to 470mm, an approach angle of 20 degrees, breakover angle of 15 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees.
In all-wheel drive models, the Compass has an approach angle of 27 degrees, a breakover angle of 16 degrees, and a departure angle of 31 degrees.
Electric Compass vehicles will offer between 500km and 650km of range, 1DC fast-charging capability of up to 160kW, and AC charging capability of up to 22kW.
Just one battery capacity has been specified thus far for electric models – 74kWh – with no battery chemistry confirmed as of yet.
The new-generation model measures 4.55m long, up from 4.4m with the current Compass. That brings the Compass closer to mid-size SUVs like the top-selling Toyota RAV4, which is 4.6m long, and the now-defunct Cherokee which was 4.65m long.
Jeep says the larger external dimensions have given the Compass 55mm of additional legroom and 45L of boot space, bringing the latter figure up to 550L.
Cargo space can be expanded by dropping the 40/20/40-split rear seats, while Jeep says there's also a 34L storage compartment up front in the cabin.
The interior has a similar winged layout to the outgoing model, with a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen that's short but wide, and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster that's shrouded ahead of the steering wheel. Bright metal-look trim spans the dashboard.
The Compass supports over-the-air updates, and features standard Level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology.
Heated cloth and vinyl trimmed front seats are standard, with six-way manual adjustment and two lumbar settings for the driver.
Other features include matrix LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, and a hands-free power tailgate, all of which feature on the First Edition.
Options will include ventilated and massaging front seats, a sunroof, and a semi-automated lane-change feature.
While underneath the Compass is essentially an all-new vehicle, its exterior styling isn't quite as dramatic a leap with a clear familial resemblance to the outgoing model – and not just because it retains the US off-road brand's trademark seven-slot grille and the old car's trapezoidal wheel-arches.
The styling is a bit chunkier and more angular, with a more upright front and more pronounced side creases. The X shape to the tail-light graphics is also a fresh touch, while the radar has been repositioned to help prevent damage off-road… or in the Woolworths carpark.
Aerodynamics have been aided through the use of active grille shutters in the front bumper and a fully flat underbody design in electric versions.
The Compass is debuting in a vivid green exterior paint called Hawaii, while other finishes will comprise Pacific (blue), Antarctica (white), Amazonia (a brownish green), Yosemite (stone grey), and Vulcano (black).
Jeep has been heading on a downward trajectory in Australia in terms of sales since its salad days of the early/mid-2010s, but sales have ticked up in Europe.
They've been fuelled there by the launch of the Avenger light SUV, which was designed specifically for that market.
MORE: Everything Jeep Compass
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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