The new third-generation 2026 Jeep Compass debuted today with a choice of electrified powertrains — one hybrid, one plug-in hybrid and one full-electric — along with a massive elephant in the room: the U.S. tariff situation. It’s unclear whether the Compass will come to the U.S. given that retooling for its production in Canada was one of the first things to be put on hold after the Trump administration announced sweeping new tariffs that affect the auto industry.
Related: Affordable Cars Under $30,000 Face the Biggest Threat From Trump’s Tariffs
If it doesn’t become one of the first new vehicles pulled from the U.S. market due to tariffs, the new Compass looks like a rugged little runabout, with a roomier interior than the outgoing model, semi-autonomous driving capabilities and available four-wheel drive.
What’s New for the Next-Gen 2026 Jeep Compass?
The biggest change coming to the new Compass are its three powertrain options with varying levels of electrification: a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a full-electric. Buyers can choose from front- or four-wheel drive.
The hybrid powertrain includes a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2-liter engine mated to a 48-volt hybrid system, per Automotive News, making a combined 145 horsepower (European horsepower figures are typically slightly higher than U.S. numbers). Moving to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrain ups output to 195 hp. Three all-electric versions offer between 213 hp in the entry-level, single-motor FWD version up to 375 hp with the most powerful 4WD version. That 375-hp 4WD Compass EV features a new, more powerful rear electric motor offering an extra 66 hp and 171 pounds-feet of torque, and Jeep claims it can climb a 20% grade without any traction on the front wheels. Additionally, a mid-level Compass noted by Automotive News offers 228 hp and FWD.
The new Compass EV is capable of 160-kilowatt DC fast charging, which isn’t as fast as many of its all-electric peers, but Jeep claims it can refill the SUV’s battery from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. The entry-level 213-hp variant packs a 74-kilowatt-hour battery, while Automotive News reports that the two more powerful versions will have a larger 96-kWh battery.
We only have the European range figures for the Compass EV, but Jeep claims it’s capable of going up to 311 miles with both its entry-level 74-kWh version and its 4WD dual-motor version and up to 404 miles with the single-motor 96-kWh version. It’s worth noting that, as with output, the European test cycle tends to produce larger range figures than the U.S. EPA test cycle, so expect to see a slightly smaller figure if the Compass comes stateside even if the powertrains are unchanged. Jeep claims the new Compass’ improved aerodynamics help achieve that impressive range, with active grille shutters in the front bumper, air ducts on the wheels and a fully flat underbody.
Even with the significant changes under the hood, the Compass remains unmistakably a Jeep on the outside, complete with a seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches and antiscratch tough-guy cladding to safeguard it from trail branches and shopping carts alike. Jeep boasts that its compact SUV will still be capable if you head off-pavement even in FWD guise with its 7.8-inch ride height and 18.5-inch fording depth. Selectable modes suited for different kinds of terrain come standard.
4WD versions get more ground clearance, which in turn increases their approach, departure and breakover angles, and fording depths. These variants feature hill descent control as standard, as well.
A More Spacious Interior With Plenty of Extras
The other big change is the embiggening of the interior, which Jeep says boasts an extra 2.2 inches of legroom in the rear seats along with a larger 1.2-cubic-foot storage compartment in the front and 1.6 extra cubic feet of space in the rear cargo area, bringing the total cargo space up to 19.4 cubic feet, per Jeep’s measurements. A 40/20/40-split, folding rear bench gives buyers several more options for fitting even larger items in the back. All of this comes in a package that’s still less than 15 feet long on the outside.
The new Compass includes a 10-inch digital gauge cluster and a 16-inch infotainment screen capable of receiving over-the-air updates, as well as a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, likely similar to the one offered on the Grand Cherokee and other upmarket Jeeps. A head-up display, LED matrix headlights and lane change assist are also available.
What Trim Levels Are Available at Launch?
At least in Europe, the new Compass is being offered as the First Edition at launch, which comes with FWD only but offers a choice of either the 145-hp hybrid or 213-hp electric powertrain. It comes equipped with 20-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, front and rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera and LED matrix headlights. Inside, it has a cloth-and-vinyl interior with six-way manually adjustable heated front seats and a two-way driver lumbar adjustment. Optional upgrades include ventilated and massaging seats, a moonroof and automated lane-changing capabilities.
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Will the New Jeep Compass Come to the U.S.?
The short answer: We don’t know.
The wider situation for frugal U.S. customers is a bummer given that the Compass is currently the lone Jeep model priced under $30,000, and even more so given that the new Compass’ electrified powertrains could make it even easier on fuel costs. Cars priced under $30,000 are particularly vulnerable to price increases or discontinuations due to the increased costs of production and importation under the Trump administration’s new tariffs, as many of them are currently assembled outside the U.S. to take advantage of lower labor costs.
Jeep parent company Stellantis has been building the current-gen Compass in Mexico, and this new generation was set to be assembled in Canada at the automaker’s Brampton, Ontario, plant. The Ontario plant was set to begin production of the new Compass in early 2026, but with retooling having been on hold since late February, per The Detroit News, it’s increasingly unlikely that Jeep will make that deadline. A Jeep representative confirmed to Cars.com that plans to bring the new Compass to the U.S. market remain on hold as the company “reassess[es] its product strategy in North America,” while also reaffirming the company’s investments in its Brampton production facility.
The European-market Compass that debuted yesterday will be assembled in Italy, which is also subject to steep import tariffs, so it’s unlikely that Jeep will import its entry-level model from there, either. We’ll simply have to wait and see if and how Jeep decides to bring the new Compass to the U.S.
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