Pros: Better handling, improved interior
Cons: Standard spec could be better, average boot
The third-gen Jeep Compass is the first to offer a fully electric variant, which will go on sale alongside a mild-hybrid petrol model. Built on a new platform similar to that of the Citroën C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and 5008, the Compass Electric is predominantly road-focused for now, despite Jeep being a brand synonymous with off-roading. We’ve gotten behind the wheel to see how the front-wheel-drive Compass stacks up against the competition.
Jeep Compass Design
Throughout Jeep’s 80-plus-year history, its vehicles have always carried a distinctive shape and its signature seven-slot front grille. That remains in place on the Compass Electric, even if it is blanked off. Those signature blocky proportions give the 4.5-metre-long Compass a purposeful image, and higher-spec models are available with a contrasting black roof.
Minimal front and rear overhangs are a nod to the Jeep’s off-road capability, and the light grey scruff plate on the front bumper has the colour impregnated into the plastic moulding to better manage wear and tear. Some versions ride on 18-inch wheels, while up to 20-inch wheels are available and come fitted to the First Edition.
Around the back are X-shaped lights, and an illuminated light bar spans the rear, with the Jeep logo at the centre, which also lights up. Behind the electrically operated tailgate is 550 litres of boot space, and that can be increased to 1,695 litres by folding down the rear seats.
Jeep Compass Interior
Compared to its predecessor, the Compass's interior is where many of the biggest changes occur. A new layout not only looks better but provides from interior space for passengers, while storage capacity for all your bits and pieces has more than doubled. All the latest tech is present as you might expect, including a 10-inch digital instrument display. Optionally, buyers can add a large colour head-up display.
Infotainment runs through a central 16-inch touchscreen that’s wide enough to be within easy reach for both driver and passenger. The native system works well and responds quickly to inputs, and for those who prefer their own phone apps, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available. Just below the screen is a bank of haptic buttons that control frequently used functions. While these aren’t individual buttons, the panel does move in and out when you press it, and a central volume dial is a welcome touch.
The rest of the interior is a clutter-free design, with the centre console housing a useful storage area, multiple USB charging ports and a wireless charging pad that’s practically angled to keep your phone in place. A rotary dial controls the automatic transmission, and there’s a chunky rocker switch surrounded by a red panel that lets you select from a range of drive modes. It all looks and feels a bit industrial, but it suits the Compass.
Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, and the front seats offer reasonable support and comfort. It’s a similar story in the rear, which, thanks to decent legroom, makes it a pleasant space for passengers. The central rear seat is firm but gets a wide base, and both outer seats carry IOSFIX anchor points.
Jeep Compass Electric Performance & Drive
From launch, the Compass Electric comes with a 74kWh battery and a 213hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. This version gets a 500-kilometre driving range, which should suffice for most buyers.
For those who would love a little more distance between recharges, there’s also a larger-capacity 94kWh version with a 231hp motor and a 650-kilometre range. That larger battery will also be available with a dual-motor setup producing 345hp and a 600-kilometre driving range.
But the smaller battery is still more than adequate for everyday life, while the 345Nm of torque means the Jeep feels brisk at urban speeds and cruises comfortably on the motorway. It's certainly more refined than its predecessor, and even on the larger wheels there’s only a small amount of road and wind noise that gets into the cabin. The Compass is the most refined model that Jeep currently produces.
The steering is light but has a direct feel, with the Compass quickly turning into bends, and it holds its line, too. Having much of its mass placed closer to the axle lines lowers the overall centre of gravity, and body control feels well-judged. A one-pedal mode is available, but drivers can also select how strong they want the energy recuperation to be.
Jeep Compass Electric Pricing
Pricing for the Jeep Compass Electric will initially start at €45,995 for the First Edition. That launch model comes with a high level of standard specification, but we expect the entry price for the Compass Electric to be lower; however, this won’t be confirmed until closer to the car’s arrival in 2026.
Carzone Verdict
The Jeep Compass Electric is bound to make many more people reconsider the brand, as it’s easily the best vehicle it has produced in some time. Its electric powertrain meets all the right criteria, while the prospect of the more powerful dual-motor variant with an even larger battery is a compelling one.