Stellantis Electrifies 2026 Jeep Compass with EV, PHEV and Mild-Hybrid Options

Jeep formally unveiled the next-generation Compass SUV and it will come with an unusually wide range of powertrain options including an EV, a plug-in hybrid, and a mild-hybrid package. The 2026 Jeep Compass will debut in Europe, then North America and other markets, making it the brand’s most international model.  More from Headlight.News.

We got a sneak peek at the 2026 Jeep Compass when some photos leaked out last week. Now, however, we’ve got the official word, and there’s a lot to digest when it comes to the off-road brand’s most international model.

Set to first debut for the coming model-year in Europe, with versions to follow in North America and three other continents, this will be the most complex Compass ever – certainly from a powertrain perspective. There’ll be a mild-hybrid version, a plug-in hybrid package and not just one but three different battery-electric configurations.

The new model will be longer, wider and roomier than the outgoing Compass. But it will continue to offer the sort of off-road capabilities that past versions delivered, according to Jeep.

The 2026 Jeep Compass is “Crafted for outdoor adventures yet perfect for everyday use,” Fabio Catone, head of Jeep’s European operations. It “boldly represents the brand’s forward-thinking philosophy, highlighting our dedication to not only meeting today’s market demands but also anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities.”

What’s new

The 2026 Jeep Compass migrates to one of the “multi-energy” platforms being developed by Euro-American parent Stellantis. The STLA Medium architecture offers significant flexibility in terms of vehicle dimensions, as well as the sort of drivetrains that can be utilized. Jeep, in particular, plans to offer an impressive six different technologies going forward and three will be utilized on Compass: all-electric, plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid.

All versions, including front-wheel-drive packages, will offer Jeep’s Selec-terrain traction management technology. All-wheel-drive systems will add hill descent control.

The STLA Medium platform will be used in a number of other models – in Europe, where it will first go into production, that includes the Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot 5008. The 2026 SUV measures 179.1 inches in length, a full 6.1 inches longer than the outgoing U.S. version of Compass. It’s 75.9 inches in width, 3.35 inches wider. The wheelbase, at 110 inches, is 6.3 inches longer.

Those familiar with today’s Compass will likely recognize the 2026 makeover, though it adopts a much more streamlined look, adding features like active shutters behind Jeep’s trademark 7-slot grille to enhance aerodynamics. A flat underbody and other wind-cheating tricks result in a 0.3 coefficient of drag, good numbers for an off-road-capable SUV.

Powertrain

Depending upon market, Jeep will offer an unusually wide range of powertrain options. Unlike a number of competitors that are opting for EV-only platforms, Stellantis chose to go with a “multi-energy” design for STLA Medium that, here, allows it to offer both a 195 hp plug-in hybrid package with a 1.6-liter gas engine paired with an electric motor. The mild-hybrid uses a 48-volt electrical system to enhances stop-start functionality and gives a bit of a boost on launch. With its 1.2-liter turbo-gas engine, it’s rated at 143 hp.

Jeep hasn’t yet offered many details on those two powertrains, including electric mode range on the PHEV. But it revealed that the Compass EV will get as much as 404 miles per charge. (That’s using the global WLTP test cycle. U.S. numbers typically drop by about 20% due to the stricter – and generally more accurate – EPA test standard.)

There will be three EV options:

• Front-wheel drive, with a single electric -motor making 210 hp. Its 74-kilowatt hour battery delivers range rated at 500 km, or 311 miles WLTP;
• Front-wheel-drive, with a single-motor uprated to 228 hp, its 96-kWh battery delivering  650 km, or 404 miles WLTP;
• All-wheel drive with twin electric motors making a combined 370 hp, a 96-kWh battery and 500 km, or 311 miles WLTP range.

The AWD Compass EV will have a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, It’s rated to ford water up to 18.5 inches deep. The approach angle is 20 degrees, the breakover angle is 15 degrees, and the departure angle is 26 degrees.

More Jeep News

• Jeep Slashes Wagoneer Prices to Build Demand
• Jeep Teases Next-Gen Compass
• Jeep Brings 7 Concepts to Annual Moab Easter Safari

Production, pricing and availability

The 2026 Jeep Compass is now available for order in Europe, the automaker starting out with a First Edition package available with either the mild-hybrid or single-motor BEV drivetrains. Production will start in the coming months at a factory in Melfi, Italy.

Deliveries will begin during the fourth quarter of this year. Depending upon the market, it will start as low as 41,900 Euros – $47,646 at today’s exchange rate. Other European versions will follow in the next calendar year.

North American production will start in 2026.