2026 Jeep Compass

Every 2026 Compass trim (Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk) uses the same 2.0L Hurricane GME-T4 turbocharged I4 rated at 200 hp — the US market carries the second-generation powertrain forward until the STLA-Medium third-gen arrives.

Peak torque of the sole available 2.0L turbo I4 across every 2026 Compass trim.

Instrumented estimates for the 200 hp/221 lb-ft 2.0L turbo AWD Compass hover around 7.5 seconds — mid-pack for a compact SUV.

The aging 2.0L Hurricane turbo is competent but not smooth — reviewers regularly flag perceptible turbo lag off the line, coarse thrash at higher revs, and a general lack of low-end urgency versus the Rogue's VC-Turbo or any modern hybrid four.

The 8-speed automatic paired with the 2.0L turbo shifts more decisively than the older 9-speed the Compass carried previously, but reviewers still call out occasional lazy kickdowns and a tendency to hold higher gears too long.

Jeep rates the 2026 Compass at up to 2,000 lbs when properly equipped — light-duty only (small utility trailer, pair of jet skis), well below compact-SUV segment leaders.

AWD is standard on every 2026 Compass trim — no FWD variant is offered in the US. Selec-Terrain traction management adds Auto/Snow/Sand/Mud modes across the lineup, and the Trailhawk adds a Rock mode with 20:1 crawl ratio and 4WD Low simulation.

The dedicated Trailhawk earns Jeep's Trail Rated badge with 8.6 in ground clearance, 30.4°/24.4°/33.6° approach/breakover/departure, hill-descent control, skid plates, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires — genuine light-duty off-road credibility, though well short of Wrangler/Bronco class. Non-Trailhawk trims are pavement-oriented (8.1 in clearance, 16.1° approach).

US 2026 Compass is single-powertrain: 2.0L turbo I4 with 8AT and AWD across every trim. No hybrid, PHEV, or EV option in the US — the 4xe PHEV and e-Hybrid remain Europe-only until the STLA-Medium third-gen arrives.

EPA combined figure for the 2026 Compass, gas-only 2.0L turbo I4 with standard AWD across all four US trims (Sport, Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk). No hybrid variant in the US market — Stellantis paused the redesigned Compass for North America, so the current-generation carryover continues for 2026.

EPA city figure for all 2026 US trims (all AWD-only, 2.0L turbo, 8-spd auto). Below the compact-SUV segment average because the Compass has no hybrid or e-CVT option.

EPA highway figure for all 2026 US trims. Respectable for a turbocharged AWD compact SUV, though hybrid rivals (RAV4 Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid) top 35 mpg highway.

13.5-gallon fuel tank × 26 mpg EPA combined yields ~351 miles of combined range; ~418 mi at 31 hwy MPG. Modest for the compact-SUV class since there is no PHEV/EV variant to lift electric miles.

EPA estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 — roughly $400 more than the value-SUV average because the AWD-standard Compass has no hybrid option to lift combined MPG.

The 2.0L turbocharged four runs on regular unleaded (87 octane) — Jeep does not require or recommend premium. No diesel or E85 complications, and the 13.5-gal tank keeps a fill-up under ~$50 at typical prices.

NHTSA rates the 2026 Compass SUV AWD at 4 stars overall, dragged down by a 3-star rollover rating that is typical for a taller compact SUV but weaker than most crossover peers.

The 2026 Compass is not a Top Safety Pick. It carries Good in the small-overlap front test but earns a Poor rating in the updated moderate-overlap front test and Marginal in the updated side test — meaningful gaps against segment leaders like the RAV4 and CR-V.

Every 2026 Compass trim (Latitude on up) gets forward collision warning with active braking, pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and lane-keep assist standard. Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go and traffic-sign recognition remain optional, keeping the base suite a step behind segment leaders that bundle ACC standard.

Standard FCW+AEB includes pedestrian and cyclist detection across all trims, but the system pre-dates the newest Stellantis camera/radar hardware and has not earned an IIHS Superior or Advanced vehicle-to-pedestrian designation in current testing. Adequate daytime performance with weaker nighttime pedestrian results is a reasonable read.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection is standard across the 2026 lineup, but coverage is alert-only — no active steering intervention or safe-exit assist, both of which segment rivals now offer.

LaneSense lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist is standard, but there is no full lane-centering function; reviewers describe corrective inputs as reactive rather than the smooth centering offered by Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 or Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist.

Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go is optional rather than standard on the volume Latitude/Latitude Altitude trims, and there is no integrated highway assist. Buyers must option or step up trims to get true full-speed-range ACC, and it does not combine with lane centering.

The 2026 Compass offers no hands-free driving system — there is no Stellantis equivalent to BlueCruise, Super Cruise, or Highway Assist on this platform. The Compass is a hands-on-wheel vehicle at every trim.

IIHS rates the standard LED reflector headlights Acceptable — better than Marginal but noting inadequate visibility in several curve scenarios. High-beam assist is standard; no adaptive-curve headlights are offered.

Upright greenhouse, tall seating position, and relatively slim A-pillars give the Compass good forward and side sightlines for a compact SUV, though the thicker rear pillars create a modest over-the-shoulder blind spot. A rear-view camera is standard; 360-degree camera is optional and confined to upper trims.

LATCH lower anchors are recessed in the seat bight — workable but require some digging — and the rear bench comfortably accommodates two child seats but is tight for three-across. Rear-door openings are typical for a compact SUV.

Two-row compact SUV with dual front buckets and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench.

Volume Latitude/Latitude Altitude trim, without sunroof spec noted separately.

Generous front legroom for the compact-SUV segment.

Upright roofline yields above-average second-row headroom for the class.

Solid rear legroom for a subcompact-adjacent compact SUV.

Two-row SUV — no third row is offered on any Compass trim.

Well below compact-SUV segment median (CR-V ~39, RAV4 ~38, Tucson ~39); the Compass has always been on the small end.

Max cargo trails class leaders (CR-V ~76, Tucson ~75, RAV4 ~70) by a wide margin.

Reasonably shaped console, glovebox, and door bins with a small under-armrest cubby; nothing standout, and reviewers criticize cheap plastics and sharp unfinished edges.

Reviewers describe the front seats as adequate but flat with limited lateral support; upper Limited trim adds leatherette but does not fix cushioning complaints.

Comfortable on smooth roads but reviewers report a rough, unsettled ride over broken pavement, especially on Trailhawk and larger-wheel trims.

Notable engine, wind, and road noise at highway speed; the 2.0T sounds rough at startup and unrefined under load; climate fan can also be intrusive.

Dual-zone auto climate, remote start, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel are available or standard on Latitude Altitude and Limited; no ventilated seats or rear climate zone; Limited adds hands-free power liftgate and leatherette.

For 2026 the Sport was dropped and Latitude is now the entry trim, with 4x4 standard across the lineup — competitive entry price for a compact SUV that includes AWD.

The mid-range Latitude Altitude ($31,350) and Limited ($33,250) are the popular volume trims; using ~$33,000 as typically equipped with destination and a modest option package.

Compass has above-average maintenance costs for the compact-SUV class; RepairPal shows ~$526/yr and CarEdge projects 10-year maintenance around $10,823, putting 5-year costs meaningfully above segment leaders.

Compass retention lands below the compact-SUV category norm; the outgoing-generation status heading into a redesign puts additional downward pressure on residuals.

Standard Jeep 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty — the industry floor and shorter than Hyundai/Kia (5/60) and Mitsubishi (5/60).

Standard Jeep 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage — well short of Hyundai/Kia (10/100k) and Mitsubishi (10/100k).

Jeep Wave for 2026 buyers includes the first three oil changes and tire rotations within 36 months, 24/7 roadside assistance, and trip-interruption benefits — solid but short of Toyota's 2-yr/25k ToyotaCare or BMW's 3-yr complimentary maintenance.

$33,000 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (54% retained, or about $17,820) leaves about $15,180 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $21,680 in total.

Compass has historically posted below-average predicted reliability in Consumer Reports and mid-to-low J.D. Power quality scores; for 2026, the situation is compounded by uncertainty around the STLA Medium redesign (all-new platform means no track record) or, if carryover, a model that has trailed compact-SUV peers for years.

Jeep consistently ranks in the bottom tier of both Consumer Reports brand reliability rankings and J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, typically finishing in the bottom five of ~30 mainstream brands across multiple recent years.

The current-generation Compass has accumulated multiple recalls across its life covering airbag inflators, powertrain software, electrical/backup-camera issues, and fuel-system components; TSB volume has been elevated versus Japanese and Korean peers.

The 2.0L Hurricane turbo-four paired with the ZF 9-speed automatic has a mixed long-term reputation — the 9-speed in particular drew years of shift-quality and durability complaints across Stellantis products, and if 2026 introduces the new STLA Medium powertrain the unit is unproven in service.

The 2022 mid-cycle refresh materially improved the Compass cabin — soft-touch dash top, better switchgear, and Uconnect 5 upgraded the perceived quality to competitive-for-the-price on mid trims; still uses hard plastics in low-touch zones and does not reach the class benchmark set by Mazda CX-5 or VW Tiguan.

Assembly quality on the Compass has been rated adequate but scattered rattles, trim-alignment complaints, and interior-squeak reports appear in owner surveys; J.D. Power initial-quality data for Jeep sits below the industry average.

Jeep has broad nationwide coverage (~2,400 US dealers via the FCA/Stellantis network), so access is easy in most markets, but service satisfaction rankings for Jeep in the J.D. Power Customer Service Index have historically trailed Asian brands and even Ford/Chevy.

Compass shares many parts across the Stellantis/FCA parts bin and enjoys a strong aftermarket thanks to the Jeep enthusiast base; typical repair costs (per RepairPal and Kelley Blue Book estimates) run near the mainstream compact-SUV average, with wear items widely stocked.

Redesigned third-gen 2026 Compass uses Uconnect 5 with an 8.4-inch base display and a 10.1-inch upgrade; the 10.1 is standard on Limited/Trailhawk and the popular Latitude package, so it represents the volume configuration.

Uconnect 5 is widely praised as one of the best mainstream infotainment systems for speed, clean menu structure, and retention of physical climate controls; new Compass carries the same well-regarded platform used across the Stellantis lineup.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with the 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 head unit (Limited, Trailhawk, and Latitude with the upgrade); base 8.4-inch Sport/Latitude uses wired projection, so wireless is not standard across all trims.

Uconnect 5 supports natural-language voice via built-in assistant and Alexa integration; native TomTom-based navigation with live traffic is available in the upper trims but most owners default to CarPlay/Android Auto maps.

Standard six-speaker system is average for the segment; optional Alpine nine-speaker premium audio is a solid step up but not on par with class-leading Bose/Harman Kardon systems seen in some rivals.

10.25-inch full-color TFT digital cluster is standard on Limited and Trailhawk and available on Latitude via the Sun/Sound/NAV Group; base trims get a partial digital display, so full digital is on most volume configurations.

Uconnect 5 supports over-the-air updates for infotainment software, maps, and connected services; Stellantis has expanded OTA coverage but the platform is not a full whole-vehicle OTA system on the scale of Tesla or Rivian.

Jeep app (via Uconnect Access/Connected Services) supports remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle locate, and vehicle health after a trial; features are subscription-gated after the initial period and the app has improved but lacks a phone-as-key.

Multiple USB-A/USB-C ports front and rear are standard; wireless charging pad is available on upper trims; no household AC outlets or unusually high-power USB.

Passive entry with push-button start is standard on Latitude and above; remote start is standard on Trailhawk and available across the lineup via key fob and Jeep app; no phone-as-key.

Rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines and rear parking sensors are standard; 360-degree surround-view camera is available on higher trims; no automated parking.

No head-up display is offered on any 2026 Compass trim, consistent with prior Compass generations and most mainstream compact SUVs in this price band.

Two-row 5-seat layout with 38.3 in rear legroom is workable, but LATCH anchors are recessed in the seat bight (IIHS 'Acceptable') and the rear bench is genuinely tight for three-across child seats. Cargo behind the second row (27.2 cu ft) is well below CR-V/RAV4/Tucson (~38–39), meaning strollers plus grocery runs get crowded fast — a middle-of-the-road compact-SUV family logistics package.

Standard FCW+AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path, and LaneSense on family-friendly Latitude trim is respectable — but IIHS scores the 2026 Compass Poor on the updated moderate-overlap front test and Marginal on the updated side test, and it is not a Top Safety Pick. NHTSA overall is 4 stars (3-star rollover). Adaptive cruise is optional. Safety gaps at the price point that families actually pay.

Rear head/legroom (38.5/38.3 in) is fine for kids over a few hours, but cargo behind row 2 (27.2 cu ft) is the smallest in the class and struggles with luggage for a family of four. Consumer Reports specifically flags near-constant engine noise plus highway wind and road noise; no rear climate zone, no rear entertainment, flat front seats with limited lateral support. Not a comfortable multi-hour road-trip pod.

The 2.0L Hurricane turbo shows perceptible off-the-line lag and coarse thrash under load, the 8-speed occasionally hesitates on kickdown, and Consumer Reports/Edmunds flag persistent engine, wind, and road noise plus a rough ride over broken pavement. Uconnect 5 responsiveness and standard AWD grip help, but the daily-driving experience is fatiguing relative to smoother hybrid rivals.

26 MPG combined (23/31) with a $2,300 EPA annual fuel bill is materially worse than the RAV4/CR-V/Tucson hybrids (35–40+ MPG) that dominate the segment — the Compass has no hybrid or PHEV option in the US. Runs on regular unleaded and insurance is average, but RepairPal/CarEdge peg maintenance meaningfully above the compact-SUV mean. Net: mediocre cost-per-mile for the class.

The Compass is on the small end of the compact-SUV footprint (~173 in long), and Edmunds calls out good outward visibility from the upright greenhouse and easy-to-place hood. Rear-view camera and rear parking sensors are standard; a 360-degree surround-view camera is available on Limited/Trailhawk. No automated parking, and thicker rear pillars create a modest over-the-shoulder blind spot.

Max tow of 2,000 lbs is light-duty only — enough for a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis but well short of Escape/Rogue (3,500 lb) or hybrid RAV4 (3,500 lb). No pickup bed, 27.2/59.8 cu ft cargo is the smallest in class, and the 200 hp turbo works hard under real load. Not a meaningful work tool.

Trailhawk carries the Trail Rated badge with skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires — Jeep's off-road pedigree implies some abuse tolerance. But Consumer Reports gives the Compass below-average predicted reliability, RepairPal shows above-average annual repair costs, and reviewers repeatedly flag cheap interior plastics and sharp unfinished edges — not a fleet-proven work platform.

No pickup bed, no available 110V household outlet, and cargo tie-downs are basic four-corner hooks rather than a real work-rail system. Roof cross-bars are available on higher trims and there is a modest aftermarket ecosystem behind the Jeep name, but upfit choices are pale next to a Bronco Sport or a body-on-frame truck. USB power is plentiful, washable rubber floor liners are available.

Combined range ~351 mi (~418 mi at highway MPG) from a 13.5-gal tank is modest for a mile-eater. Cabin quietness is a real weakness — Consumer Reports flags 'near-constant engine noise' plus wind and road noise — and the seats draw comfort criticism on longer stints. No lane centering, no hands-free driver assist; adaptive cruise is optional rather than standard. A mediocre tourer at best.

The Compass' strongest use case. AWD is standard on every 2026 trim (a segment rarity), Selec-Terrain adds Auto/Snow/Sand/Mud modes, and the Trail Rated Trailhawk brings 8.6 in ground clearance, 30.4°/24.4°/33.6° approach/breakover/departure angles, skid plates, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires — genuine light off-road credibility that even non-Trailhawk trims (8.1 in clearance) partly share. Ceiling is capped by the modest 2,000-lb tow rating for toys.

27.2 cu ft behind the second row and 59.8 cu ft with the 60/40 seat folded are both well below segment leaders (CR-V ~76, Tucson ~75, RAV4 ~70 max). Roof cross-bars and a 2,000-lb hitch are available for external gear, and the load floor is flat with a small underfloor cubby, but the total cargo box is genuinely small for a mainstream compact SUV.

The volume Latitude/Limited drives like a lifted small SUV — soft suspension tuning with visible body roll in transitions and moderate grip. It's secure at legal speeds but reviewers consistently rank its cornering composure below the CR-V, Sportage/Tucson, and well behind the Mazda CX-5 in the compact SUV class; Trailhawk's off-road-biased setup dulls on-road handling further.

Light, over-assisted EPS with accurate but numb responses on-center. It tracks straight and turns predictably, but there is no meaningful feedback about grip or road texture — a typical mainstream-Jeep tune biased toward low-speed ease over enthusiast feel.

Adequate stopping power with a reasonably firm pedal in normal driving; instrumented 70-0 mph stops for the current Compass sit around 180 ft — mid-pack for the segment. Pedal travel is slightly long and reviewers note some fade after repeated hard stops, holding this below segment leaders.

The 2.0L Hurricane turbo I4 shows noticeable off-boost lag at tip-in and gets coarse above 4,000 rpm, while the ZF 8-speed's stop/start can restart with a shudder. Calibration lags modern hybrid fours (RAV4/CR-V hybrids) and turbocharged rivals (VW EA211, Hyundai smartstream) in smoothness.

The 2.0L turbo four sounds coarse and drones under moderate-to-heavy throttle, with audible vibration through the steering column at highway acceleration. Cabin isolation at cruise is acceptable but the powertrain character is a persistent complaint versus quieter hybrid or VC-Turbo rivals.

Jeep publishes a 37.1 ft curb-to-curb turning diameter across 2026 Compass trims — mid-pack for compact SUVs on the 103.8 in wheelbase platform.

Upright SUV seating gives good forward and side sightlines, and Jeep retains real physical climate controls plus a straightforward Uconnect 5 stack — a genuine strength versus touchscreen-only rivals. Volume Latitude gets a 6-way manual driver's seat (power on Limited/Trailhawk) and reach/rake steering; taller drivers occasionally note the seat bottom feels short on thigh support.

The on-road Compass is an appliance — the aging 2nd-gen platform, numb steering, and unrefined turbo four leave little character behind the wheel. The Trailhawk is genuinely enjoyable off-road with Active Drive Low and a 20:1 crawl ratio, but volume buyers are unlikely to seek it out.

For 2026 the Sport is discontinued and Latitude ($29,550 w/dest.) is the new entry, which now includes standard 4x4, a 10.1" Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, LED headlights, remote start, keyless entry, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise — a genuinely strong base bundle since most compact-SUV rivals still charge extra for AWD.

Standard AWD and a well-equipped touchscreen at the ~$29.5k entry price is real value, but the Compass gives up meaningful bang-for-buck against class rivals that offer efficient hybrids (RAV4 Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid, Escape Hybrid, Sportage Hybrid) in the same price band — buyers pay similar money for a thirstier, less-refined 2.0L turbo on an aging platform.

Five 2026 US variants (Latitude, Latitude Altitude, Limited, Limited Altitude, Trailhawk) span ~$29.5k-$37k with a dedicated off-road Trailhawk giving buyers a real hardware choice — but there is only one powertrain (2.0T/8AT/AWD) and no hybrid, PHEV, or FWD option, so the range is broader on trim than under the hood.

US Compass sales have fallen sharply from ~130k (2022) to ~89k (2024) and further into 2025 as buyers gravitate to hybrid-capable rivals; volume is well below segment leaders RAV4 (~475k), CR-V (~400k), and Tucson (~180k), and Stellantis has been running elevated Compass inventory levels for months.

Jeep as a marque still carries a strong off-road halo anchored by Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, but the Compass sits at the softer end of that image — reviewers and shoppers routinely call it the least-Jeep Jeep, and Stellantis' broader brand-perception slide (customer-satisfaction and quality declines) has trimmed the halo it once traded on.

Slow sales and heavy inventory have made the Compass one of the easier compact SUVs to deal on — Stellantis has been layering aggressive cash bonuses, competitive lease specials, and subvented low-APR financing on 2025-2026 Compasses through most of the year, and transaction prices frequently sit well below MSRP. Score reflects buyer benefit, not brand health.

The current MP/552 second generation launched for 2017 and received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022 — the 2026 US car is a late-cycle carryover of a nearly decade-old platform. The all-new STLA Medium third-gen was shown for Europe but its US launch has slipped past 2026, so buyers face imminent-replacement risk on top of an already-old model.

The Compass has no recent NACTOY, Car and Driver 10Best, MotorTrend SUV of the Year, or IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition, and comparison tests routinely rank it in the bottom third of the compact-SUV pack — reviewers cite the aging platform, coarse powertrain, lack of a hybrid option, and below-average reliability outlook.