*Not actual model
Matthew Sessoms Jeep - Does the 2026 Jeep Compass Come Standard with All-Wheel Drive for Washington, NC Drivers?
Choosing a compact SUV often starts with one key question: Will it deliver confident traction year-round without extra complexity? For Washington, NC drivers who encounter wet roads, sandy turnouts, and the occasional muddy trailhead, the answer matters. For the 2026 model year, every Compass includes all-wheel drive as standard, and the Trailhawk trim builds on that with specialized hardware for even more control when the pavement ends.
In everyday use, the standard setup is designed to be seamless. The system anticipates a slip and sends power where it is needed, without driver intervention. That means fewer compromises in bad weather and an added layer of confidence when a gravel shoulder or dirt road becomes part of your route. Paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Compass feels composed in town and steady at highway speeds.
- All-Weather Traction: The system responds quickly on wet or worn pavement to help maintain stability and control.
- Gravel and Sand Readiness: Power shuffles between axles to keep you moving when surfaces get loose.
- Low-Drama Operation: The setup works in the background so you can focus on the road, not the controls.
If you want to go a step further, Trailhawk adds a system with a crawler gear ratio and Rock mode within Selec-Terrain. That low-speed control helps when you encounter uneven ruts, ledges, or obstacles that require a delicate approach. It is the right fit if weekend trails or hunting paths are on your calendar, yet it remains easygoing in daily driving.
Technology complements the traction story. An available 10.1-inch touchscreen brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into your routine, while natural voice recognition helps you set a destination or make a call without taking your eyes off the road. Driver-assist features such as automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring are part of the suite, and adaptive cruise control is standard on Limited and Trailhawk. Together, these systems support calm, confident travel during the workweek and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is all-wheel drive really standard on every 2026 model?
Yes. All-wheel drive is included across the board. Trailhawk enhances the system with Rock mode and a crawler gear ratio for more precise low-speed control when the surface gets rough.
How does the AWD system help in day-to-day driving around Washington, NC?
It seamlessly manages power between axles to maintain grip on slick streets, gravel cut-throughs, and sandy shoulders, so you spend less time reacting to changing conditions and more time focusing on the drive.
What else should shoppers consider if they want more capability?
Trailhawk is the go-to for drivers who plan regular off-pavement travel, thanks to specialized calibration and mode selection, while Limited focuses on premium daily comfort and adds adaptive cruise control as standard.
If you are comparing trims or want to see how Selec-Terrain operates on a test drive, we are ready to help. Our team can demonstrate the differences in real time, show how the touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration fit your routine, and map a drive that includes a mix of paved roads and safe, low-grip surfaces to highlight how the system behaves. Matthew Sessoms Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is serving Washington, Windsor, and Plymouth with knowledgeable guidance and a streamlined process, so you can choose the configuration that fits your life with confidence.