New Jeep Compass is going electric and we’ve spotted it testing

An all-new Jeep Compass is on the way, and we’ve spotted it on the road testing for the very first time. The new model is set to introduce a significant set of changes over the current car – including the option of pure-electric power. 

Previous teaser images of the Compass have given away some of the design direction, although this camouflaged car confirms plenty more. While both internal combustion engines and a pure-electric powertrain will be available on the Compass, it’s clear this test car is the latter with its blanked-off upper grille and what looks like active lower grille shutters in a closed position.

The new Compass will be based on the same STLA Medium platform as the latest Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland, plus the next-generation Citroen C5 Aircross and Alfa Romeo Stelvio, both due this year. Although we can’t see it behind the camouflage on this car, we know the Jeep will distinguish itself from those other Stellantis SUVs with the brand’s traditional seven-slot grille.

Teaser pictures have shown us the front end will share plenty with the smaller Jeep Avenger, with what appears to be a similar set of indented headlights, plus a segmented full-width light bar. Trapezoidal wheelarches housing a set of chunky wheels and tyres will also add to the Compass’ rugged style. The side profile is also much boxier than the almost coupé-SUV shape of its Peugeot 3008 sibling. 

Jeep’s official teasers previously revealed the light signatures, roof rails, darkened B, C and D-pillars, plus the relatively flat back end, which should boost practicality. In a class that includes family favourites like the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, that’s arguably more important than the car’s ability to tackle tough terrain.

The Compass will be clearly positioned as a larger, mid-size SUV thanks to its new platform, shifting it further away from its hugely popular baby brother, the Jeep Avenger. It is also set to get its own cabin design compared with the Peugeot and Vauxhall alternatives – in a similar vein to the Avenger’s unique set-up in relation to its Vauxhall Mokka and Peugeot 2008 siblings.

Hybrid, electric and 4x4 options

The mid-size SUV is set to be offered with a choice of mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power, plus all-wheel drive, just like the Jeep Avenger.

Given the short overhangs we can see in the teaser picture, the all-wheel-drive variant should boast class-leading off-road ability, potentially with bespoke off-road modes from Jeep. However, base versions of the Jeep will be front-wheel drive, as is the case with the 3008 and Grandland. 

Using the 3008 for reference, it’s possible the Jeep Compass EV could offer a range of 400 miles or more. Hybrid versions will use the familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine with mild electrical assistance, while the plug-in hybrid models will feature a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and a 21kWh battery that should deliver around 50 miles of pure-electric driving.

Production of the new Jeep Compass will take place in Melfi, Italy, and is on track to get under way later this year, before expanding to North America in 2026, we’ve been told.

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