As an SUV in a crowded but rightly popular compact market, the Jeep Compass stands apart with its classic Jeep-esque styling, reasonable price, and extremely capable offroad handling.
Key Takeaways:
- There will be a 2026 Jeep Compass
- The Trailhawk trim offers unmatched off-road capability for the compact SUV class
- Starts at $32,590
- Classic Jeep style and capability
Is the Jeep Compass a new model?
The Compass remains largely unchanged from the 2025 model year. While it is reaching the end of its life (with a redesigned Jeep Compass planning to be sold outside North America during 2026), the Compass is no less capable than others in the segment. Changes include a small upgrade to standard features on the base trim.
How much does a 2026 Jeep Compass cost?
The lowest trim of the Compass, the Latitude Altitude, starts at 32,590 MSRP. While not the cheapest car in the compact SUV market, its 200-hp engine makes up with a more exciting and tow-happy ride.
Other notable trims of the Jeep Compass include the offroad Trailhawk, which includes more rugged offroad capability and goodies, and the top-end Latitude, which adds more interior features and comfort.
The acceleration of the Compass is only matched by the premium Mazda CX-30 in the compact market, and it features a class-leading 2000 lbs of towing capability when properly equipped.
What engine does the 2026 Jeep Compass have?
The Compass comes with the aforementioned 200-hp turbocharged inline V4 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the upgraded Trailhawk trim, the Compass also gets a special Rock mode for its Selec-Terrain all-wheel drive system and a gear ratio better suited to crawling. On pavement, this powerpack gives the Compass a punchy accelerator, and merely above-average handling, but offroad is where the Compass sets itself apart. It rolls over obstacles without slips and is excellently tuned to the task.
Can a 2026 Jeep Compass compete with a Wrangler?
While the Wrangler is a capable car in its own right, the Compass is a perfect choice for those less willing to compromise for absolute off-road performance and Jeepish charm. It’s the middle ground between the practicality of the compact SUV market and the extreme wildness of the Wrangler.
Does the 2026 Jeep Compass have an electrified powertrain?
While the redesigned 2026 Jeep Compass for sale outside North America will include a whopping five electric powertrains, the older North American version will be holding onto its gas-only powertrains for a little while longer.
The newer electrified versions will offer a spread of performance and mileage capability to meet Jeep’s goal of becoming a purely electric brand in Europe by 2030. Lower non-plug-in hybrid trims expect to make about 145hp, while a plug-in hybrid is expected to do 195. The three purely electric versions are able to manage 213, 375, and 400 horsepower depending on trim.
What is the Gas mileage of the 2026 Jeep Compass?
The EPA estimates that the 2026 Jeep Compass will manage 24mpg city and 32mpg highway, but a test by Car and Driver found that the Compass outperformed those estimates and made a deeply respectable 35mpg on the highway. Enough to beat other performance competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda CR-V EX-L.
Our thoughts:
The Jeep Compass is a much-needed shot of toughness and fun to an otherwise practical crossover-compact SUV market. It's for those who want to be able to do everything without sacrificing on the comforts or capabilities that make the compact SUV so desirable to begin with. It’s light on its feet, your wallet, and the trail.
If you’d like to test drive the Jeep Compass yourself, come down to CDJR Clewiston today for a test drive.