2026 Jeep Compass debuts: Aussie-bound compact SUV broadens its appeal with EV, PHEV and mild hybrid choices

May 12, 2025May 11, 2025 John Mahoney 940 Views 0 Comments 4x4, Compass, jeep

The all-new third-generation 2026 Jeep Compass has been unwrapped ahead of its expected launch Down Under early next year.

Available with a full range of electrified powertrains, buyers will have the choice of a 108kW mild-hybrid, a 195kW plug-in hybrid or two EVs – a 159kW single-motor version or a flagship 280kW dual-motor all-wheel drive version.

Jeep also guarantees all-paw versions of the Compass will be fully capable off-road.

Full details will come later but it’s understood the latest Jeep has been developed alongside the Peugeot 3008 range and based on the same Stellantis Group STLA Medium platform.

According to Jeep the Compass EV with the longest range should be able to cover up to 650km on a charge, while an entry version will still travel up to 500km before it needs plugging in.

The Compass is also capable of being charged at up to 160kW using a fast DC charger. Jeep says a 20-80 per cent top up will take 30 mins, while AC top-ups are at a rate of up to 22kW.

Cementing its off-road chops, Jeep says the dual-motor versions come with an e-motor that adds an extra 49kW and up to a thumping 232Nm of torque.

Combined with a 14:1 reduction gear, the Compass can multiply torque to 3100Nm to the rear wheels, allowing the small Jeep to climb up to 20 per cent gradients only using the rear wheels.

With up to 200mm of ground clearance, the front-wheel drive Compass is said to be able to wade water depths up to 470mm, while approach (20-degrees), departure (26-degrees) and breakover angles (15-degrees) are all highly capable – and those figures are for the front-wheel drive version.

Choose an all-wheel drive Compass and the Jeep gets a 27-degree approach angle, a 31-degree departure, 16-degree breakover and better ground clearance for deeper wading, although the exact figures will be released later.

All models come with a traction-boosting Selec-terrain off-road modes.

Measuring in at 4550mm long, the third generation Compass is 150+mm longer than before. That means it provides more rear legroom (+55mm) while the boot grows by 55L to 550-litres.

Inside, the bigger Jeep Compass offers not only more space but enhanced tech, with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster combined with a large 16-inch infotainment system that is capable of the over-the-air updates.

Jeep says its rival for the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona and Nissan Qashqai will also come with level 2 driving aids that will include a more sophisticated adaptive cruise control capable of auto lane changes.

Other new tech includes a head-up display and new matrix LED headlamps.

In Europe, Jeep will launch the Compass in a First Edition trim that will be available with a 108kW 1.2-litre mild-hybrid or with a 159kW all-electric powertrain that will have a 500km range.

The high-grade trim adds large 20-inch alloy wheels, the new matrix LED lamps, and an anti-scratch coating for the lower surfaces.

While sales in Europe begin in the final quarter of 2026, the 2026 Jeep Compass is set to arrive in Australia in the middle of next year with both pricing and full specification confirmed closer to that date.

Cars for Australia are likely to be sourced from Stellantis’ Melfi plant in Italy.