Jeep Compass (2025 - )

Jeep has a long-established reputation for developing rough-tough models with go-anywhere capabilities, and while we have seen some ‘softer’ vehicles in recent years, the Compass offers the best of both worlds. It’s hardly the car of choice if you’re planning a gruelling expedition into the wild yonder, but it does have all the strength and versatility to cope with the rigours of an active family lifestyle.

The car was originally launched back in 2007 and is now in its third generation. But would-be buyers are offered a fully electrified version for the first time, as well as a petrol hybrid variant. The car has become quite a global success story for the company selling more than 2.5 million models and the latest generation Compass is likely to see sales soar even higher.

New Compass has been designed from the ground up with electrification in mind and is the result of a collaboration of global design and engineering teams across Europe and in the US. That means it has all the ruggedness and off-roading ability we have come to expect from every Jeep but will also deliver a more refined ride for European markets.

The vehicle is sold in two well-equipped trims called Altitude and First Edition and we opted for the all-new electrified version in range-topping specification for our test drive through the Cotswolds.

The Compass is instantly recognisable as a Jeep thanks to a raft of signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille (which is illuminated on the First Edition cars), trapezoidal wheel arches and rugged body cladding. But it’s not so aggressive to scare away customers looking for an ideal family car that can still cope with any of Mother Nature’s serious mood swings. Eye-catching design cues include LED matrix light clusters with front fog lights, power-folding mirrors, tinted rear windows and striking 20-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on the Altitude car).

Moving inside, the interior is bright, modern and designed with adventure in mind. The seats are upholstered in a hard-wearing cloth and vinyl material that looks a lot more appealing than it sounds. These seats, which are manually adjusted, can be warmed along with the steering wheel, and offer plenty of support.

The main focal point is the 16-inch colour touchscreen offering access to the navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, ambient lighting and the rearview camera.

Additionally, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster clearly displays the vital numbers such as speed and driving range, while a head-up display is another welcome feature. Everything works really well with a nice mix of physical controls as well as easy-to-use quick keys offering short-cuts to important functions.

The construction is solid with soft-touch surfaces alongside practical wipe-clean trimmings. It feels quite upmarket without being too posh to be a Jeep!

The 2026 Jeep Compass is available with a 48V e-Hybrid powertrain or the fully electric system. This sees a 74kWh battery and electric motor delivering 213hp and 345Nm of torque. It was this electrified model that we tested and it could complete the 0-62mph dash in 8.5 seconds and topped out at 112mph. But the most important figure is the driving range, which is up to 310 miles on a single charge.
The new Compass is Jeep’s most aerodynamic model to date with a number of design features that work together to improve air flow. That in turn improves performance and efficiency.
It’s a car that quickly reaches motorway cruising speeds and will sit effortlessly at 70mph, although a little more wind noise becomes noticeable at higher speeds. But when faced with twisting country lanes, the front-wheel drive car is nicely balanced with confident grip and only a slight amount of body sway if tighter bends are attacked too eagerly.
There is a chunky red controller to switch through the drive modes called  Sport, Auto, Snow, plus a Sand/Mud setting, while the steering wheel paddles can be used to alter the strength of the regenerative braking with three levels to choose from. 
The Compass is agile and easy to manoeuvre in busier towns and villages, with good all-round driver visibility being another plus point.
Refinement levels are good for a Jeep – it’s certainly a far cry from those quite agricultural vehicles from bygone days. But that said; the ride is on the firmer side and you will feel the full force of any unexpected pothole along the way.

The Jeep Compass has plenty of kerb appeal, measuring 4.55 metres in length, 1.9 metres across and 1.7 metres tall with a 2.8-metre wheelbase. Up front, a couple of six footers will be blessed with ample space to stretch out, and two more adults will be fine in the back too. The floor is slightly raised on the electrified model due to the battery positioning, but it doesn’t really compromise legroom too much.
The boot is accessed via a hands-free powered tailgate and it can swallow 550 litres of kit, a capacity that can easily be increased by dropping the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. Additionally, there is a further 34 litres of storage space inside the cabin, including the glovebox, door bins, seat back pockets, deep central cubby with a removable tray, sunglasses compartment, a dashboard tray for the front passenger and wireless charging pad.
Speaking of charging, the Jeep Compass’ 74kWh battery takes 8 hours, 8 minutes to charge from zero to 100 per cent via an 11kW station, four hours, 16 minutes via a 22kW outlet and, with rapid 160kW DC capability, a 20 to 80 per cent boost can be achieved in 30 minutes.
And just in case you thought this was strictly a road car, the Compass Electric boasts 200mm of ground clearance, has an approach angle of 20 degrees with departure at 26 degrees and can wade through water up to 470mm deep. The vehicle also has an anti-scratch shield along with reinforced bumpers to provide additional protection when combating off-road terrain.

The Jeep Compass is competitively priced with the e-Hybrid line-up costing £34,520 for the Altitude trim and £35,720 for First Edition. The electric cars cost £36,999 (Altitude) and £39,200 (First Edition), as tested. 
Our model also featured an optional ADAS Pack that introduced predictive adaptive cruise control, semi-automated lane change, rear cross traffic alert and a head-up display - this pack costs £1,500. And there was a Convenience Pack, priced at £700, that added a 360-degree camera, lateral parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and wrong pedal prevention.
As of April, 2026 the Jeep Compass Electric has not been approved for any Electric Car Grant. However, there will no added Expensive Car Supplement charges to worry about as the vehicle is priced well below the new £50k government threshold. And day-to-day running costs are impressive with a first-year road tax charge of just £10, increasing to the standard fee of £200 after 12 months.
Anyone looking at the electrified Compass as a business car will receive an attractive four per cent Benefit in kind tax rating.
For added peace of mind, the Compass Electric comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty that is extended to eight years or 100,000 miles for the battery.

If you’re expecting the Jeep Compass to perform like the robust Wrangler, then think again as this is definitely more of a soft roader. That said; it can cope when venturing away from the Tarmac. And it does deliver a far more refined driving experience than its big brother.
Both Altitude and First Edition trims are generously equipped and the choice of powertrains will suit the majority of would-be buyers. Additionally, a 4xe version will be arriving later this year that brings four-wheel electric drive capabilities to the mix.
With more than 80 years of heritage under its belt, Jeep is an established manufacturer that is happy to move with the times without losing its established dna along the way – the Compass is perfect proof of this philosophy.