While some dismiss the Jeep Compass for not being a “real Jeep”, the carmaker still managed to ship just over 100,000 examples of the darn thing in the U.S. and Canada last year. But although Jeep gave it a surprisingly capable Trailhawk version and signed it with the coveted Trail Rated badge, it never quite managed to steal the spotlight from the Wrangler or other iconic Jeep models like the Grand Cherokee and even the Wagoneer.
But that could change as of next year, as Jeep just dropped a teaser for a much more rugged-looking next-generation Compass. According to Jeep, it’ll first hit the European market next year, and then trickle down here as a 2026 model.
2026 Jeep Compass Will Still Be Built In Italy
Around the same time last year, Stellantis announced that it plans on building five new mid-sized models at its Melfi plant in Italy between 2024 and 2026. The next Compass, which will ride on the conglomerate’s STLA medium platform, is one of those models.
Stellantis has so far been rather vocal about its stance on electrification and how it’s important that we carefully transition into it. This is why the new Compass – just like the new Dodge Charger – will employ what the carmaker calls a multi-energy strategy. Jeep didn’t say much in the 2026 Compass’ press release, but it did mention wanting to give the consumer the freedom of choice when it comes to the kind of drivetrain that’ll power their crossover. This means we should expect the Compass to be an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid and powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) all at once. From Jeep’s official press release:
The Jeep brand previewed the next-generation Compass, the first four-wheel-drive compact Jeep SUV built on the STLA Medium platform. True to the brand’s “Freedom of Choice” strategy, it will offer various multi-energy propulsion systems delivering affordable capability, top performance, and advanced technology. Debuting first in Europe in 2025 with production in Melfi, Italy, the new Jeep Compass will expand to North America and globally in 2026. – Jeep
The Next Jeep Compass Could Be A Larger Vehicle
With the Cherokee now gone, there’s a need for Jeep to fill in the compact to midsize crossover space. While Stellantis did mention that it has plans of bringing the Cherokee back to life, the Compass could actually be sized to replace its spot in the lineup. Considering that Stellantis currently sells the smaller all-electric Avenger in other markets, it would make sense to see Jeep try to move the Compass upmarket in order to better position it on a global scale.
Speaking of the Avenger, it seems the Compass sketch Stellantis sent us takes cues from that rugged little thing, with bulging fender flares, a similar headlight and grille treatment, but with a roofline and rear section that take inspiration from the larger Grand Cherokee.
We can also look at current vehicles riding on the STLA medium platform, like the properly midsized Peugeot 5008, to get an idea of the kind of proportions to expect from the next-generation Compass. As far as engines go, it could be a mix of many things, but it’s fair to say that ICE and hybrid versions could borrow their components from the current Dodge Hornet. Battery sizes and range for the EV version are still undisclosed.
TopSpeed’s Take
It’s obvious after what we’ve learned over the past months that Stellantis is in desperate need of a turnaround. New models with new powerplants and, perhaps more importantly, the option of a truly capable EV version, are definitely a good place to start. From a business standpoint, injecting it all into a midsize crossover – currently the most lucrative segment for all carmakers – only makes sense.
But we’re still a long way from a production model ready for the North-American market. Will Stellantis as we know it still exist by the time the 2026 Compass finally hits the road? Only time will tell.
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