Key Features of the 2026 Jeep Compass
Turbocharged 2.0-Liter Engine
The heart of the lineup is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four rated at 200 horsepower. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it provides the kind of relaxed everyday power that makes merging and passing feel predictable and smooth. The tuning works in concert with standard all-wheel drive, so traction is ready when you are—no need to fuss with modes just to handle a wet morning commute. In real-world use, the powertrain’s broad torque band and intelligent shifting keep the engine in its sweet spot, helping the Compass feel lively at city speeds while remaining composed on long highway stretches.
Standard All-Wheel Drive with Selec-Terrain
All-wheel drive is standard across the board, and on Trailhawk, the system adds specialized hardware and a Selec-Terrain setup that includes a Rock mode. This calibration, combined with a crawler gear ratio, helps the Compass maintain precise low-speed control over uneven terrain. For daily driving, the system transitions seamlessly—no hunting for traction or hesitations in wet or worn road surfaces. It is this dual personality that makes the Compass a smart option for drivers who want the confidence of four-wheel traction in town and the freedom to tackle a muddy trail or sandy access road when the urge for adventure hits.
Trailhawk Capability
Trailhawk transforms the Compass from a confident crossover to a trail-ready companion. With its more serious all-wheel-drive hardware, unique drive modes including Rock, and low-speed gearing, Trailhawk is tuned for moderate off-road obstacles without feeling overbuilt for daily life. The calibration helps the vehicle crawl predictably and maintain grip when diagonal ruts or loose rock would trip up more street-focused rivals. Yet on pavement, it remains well-mannered—an ideal balance for drivers who spend Monday through Friday commuting, then choose a forest service road on Saturday morning just to see what is around the next bend.
10.1-Inch Touchscreen and Connectivity
An 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard, and an available 10.1-inch display adds an even larger, crisp interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto simplify your cabin routine—leave your phone in a pocket or bag and still get navigation, calls, and playlists on-screen. Natural voice recognition helps you set a destination or adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road. Available navigation, an optional 9-speaker Alpine audio system, and handy USB-A and USB-C ports round out a tech suite built for both quick hops and long hauls. The result is an interface that feels modern and intuitive, with the right features in the right places.
Driver-Assist and Safety Suite
The Compass offers a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features. 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. Available traffic sign recognition adds useful context on unfamiliar roads. This layered approach helps reduce fatigue on long highway segments, provides an extra set of eyes during dense traffic, and supports smooth spacing in stop-and-go conditions. It is the kind of everyday safety net that you quickly appreciate—and one that can make a genuine difference in how relaxed you feel behind the wheel.