Update: Car and Driver reports that Jeep has paused plans to bring the next-generation Compass to the U.S. in what is likely a tariff-related decision. A company spokesperson says, “Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy in North America to ensure it is offering customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options to best meet their needs. As a result, the Company has temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant originally meant to build the model.
Compact SUV shoppers are spoiled for choice. The Jeep Compass has long been a middle-of-the-pack choice (except in Trailhawk form, where it’s a mountain goat on the trail). The Compass would likely serve most drivers well. But, unless you were in love with Jeep styling, there’s little reason to choose it over any other compact SUV.
With the next Compass, a complete redesign will make Jeep’s compact SUV one of the more unique choices in America’s best-selling segment.
Jeep revealed an all-new Compass for a global audience today. The Compass will be built in Italy at first and sold on several continents. Industry publication Automotive News says North American production is planned.
Jeep didn’t discuss which features will make it to the U.S. market, so it’s possible that some details discussed here will change before it goes on sale at home.
This model could appear for the 2026 or 2027 model year. The company hasn’t specified, and may be hedging its bets as it navigates supply chain changes and industry-rocking tariffs.
Buyers will be able to choose from hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or all-electric (EV) options. Jeep hasn’t discussed pricing yet. The 2025 Compass starts at $28,895, including delivery fees, but we expect a price bump to account for the new complexity and the consequences of tariffs.
The New Jeep Look
Jeep designers can’t depart radically from the brand’s signature look – boxy SUVs with 7-slot grilles. But they’ve adopted a new style with the brand’s initial electric vehicles.
The new Compass looks quite a bit like a shrunken version of the all-electric Wagoneer S. The 7-slot grille is still there, but it’s squat compared to tradition. Flat planes are everywhere, but enough of them to almost make the doors curve out. A black-painted floating roof design adds contemporary style.
Add it all up, and you get a sharp-looking new Jeep.
Inside, it’s bigger than before in nearly every dimension. Jeep will sell it as compact, but the new Compass rides on a platform Jeep parent company Stellantis uses for midsize SUVs sold by some of its European brands.
That means more legroom and cargo space than the outgoing model.
The driver faces a 10-inch display in the gauge cluster. An unusually wide central touchscreen measures 16 inches diagonally, but is more rectangular than square. It floats over a row of buttons and knobs that keep you from needing the touchscreen for everything (Europe mandates this).
Jeep says the Compass will offer Level 2 driver assistance, suggesting some hands-off driving will be possible. But the company provided no details on a Super Cruise-like highway driving assist system.
Three Powertrains
Buyers will be able to choose hybrid, PHEV, or all-electric power – a first for Jeep and a rarity for any model. We can’t be sure every powertrain option will be available for the U.S. market.
The base model will offer 145 horsepower from a mild-hybrid powertrain. Jeep didn’t reveal what engine powers the setup, or what fuel economy buyers should expect. A plug-in hybrid option bumps power up to 195 hp. The company didn’t reveal its all-electric range.
Jeep offered more details on the EV editions. Yes, editions. The company will build three different EV versions of the Compass. Power ranges “from 213 hp in the front-wheel drive version [FWD] up to stunning 375 hp in the all-wheel drive [AWD],” the company says.
Jeep is known for its SUVs’ off-road prowess. The company promises that this “legendary capability is extended across the range, including the front-wheel drive version.” But we wouldn’t be surprised to find only the all-wheel-drive editions for sale in American dealerships.
Most versions have an approach angle of 20 degrees, a breakover angle of 15 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees. All-wheel-drive versions get 27 degrees on approach, 16 on breakover, and 31 on departure. Ground clearance is 7.9 inches. Jeep says the rear motor on the all-wheel-drive version is powerful enough to let the Compass climb a 20% slope even if the front wheels have no grip at all.
We expect to learn more details over the coming months as Jeep reveals what American buyers can expect.
