Jeep to Launch New Compass in Italy this Spring, North America in 2026

• This model will be larger than the current Avenger, which could also make its way to Canada.

• The new Compass will be unveiled in Europe this spring, with hybrid, PHEV, and electric powertrains.

• Production will take place in Melfi, Italy for Europe and Brampton, Ontario, for North America.

Jeep is working on a new generation of the Compass, its smallest SUV currently offered in North America.

While this model will be sold on our market, it will first be available in Europe, where local production will take place in Melfi, Italy.

This is why the automaker chose Europe to officially unveil this new model sometime this spring.

Like the Avenger, a sub-compact crossover that could also be offered in Canada, the new Compass will use a three-pronged powertrain strategy to appeal to as many buyers as possible.

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While the Avenger is expected to be available with a traditional gasoline engine, this doesn’t seem to be the case for the Compass.

Indeed, the automaker indicates the available powertrains will be “e-Hybrid, e-Hybrid plug-in, and fully electric”.

To have a better idea of what that means, we can take a look at Europe, where Opel already sells the Grandland, a compact SUV built on the same STLA Medium platform as the upcoming Jeep Compass.

The e-hybrid system combines a 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a small electric motor placed between the gasoline engine and the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine delivers 136 horsepower and the electric motor adds a 28-horsepower boost.

The plug-in hybrid variant makes use of a larger 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 17,9 kWh battery to deliver an output of 195 horsepower and an electric range of 85 kilometres, according to the WLTP cycle.

Fully electric models benefit from a 73-kWh battery and a stronger electric motor that generates 213 horsepower. The WLTP range of this version is rated at 523 kilometres.

Something to note is that all versions of the Opel are front wheel drive exclusively, which we know won’t be the case for the Compass.

Indeed, Jeep says that “select models” will be available with all-wheel drive in Europe, and it is likely that all versions sold in Canada will send power to all four wheels since the brand hasn’t offered two-wheel drive products here in many years.

Other mechanical changes could also take place since on paper, performance seems a little limited by North American standards.

While the Italian factory is scheduled to start production on time later this year, the Brampton, Ontario plant which will manufacture vehicles for Canada and the United States has paused its retooling, which could delay the Compass’ North American launch, which is expected in 2026.

Source: Motor Authority