All New Electric Jeep Compass First Drive Review
The all new Jeep Compass has finally arrived, and this time the global drive is happening in Spain. The full studio walkaround is already available, but this review focuses on what the new Compass feels like on the road and on light off-roading. The big question many people are asking is simple: Is this still a proper Jeep or is it just a Peugeot 3008 in rugged boots?
According to Jeep, the third generation Compass continues the brand values of passion, freedom, adventure and authenticity. The company also says the model still has genuine off-road capability. If you want the true off-road version, the Overland 4xe variant will arrive in the middle of 2026 with all wheel drive, 375 horsepower and 10 mm extra ride height.
Powertrain Options and Range
Jeep is launching the Compass EV in phases. The test car is the First Edition with the smaller battery.
Battery and range options
| Version | Battery | Range (WLTP) | Drivetrain | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Edition | 74 kWh | 310 miles | FWD | On sale |
| Bigger battery | Not announced | 404 miles | FWD | Early 2026 |
| Overland AWD | Bigger battery | 370 miles | AWD | Mid 2026 |
In real winter conditions, expect lower numbers. The reviewer references the Peugeot E3008 long term test, which uses the same battery and struggled in cold weather.
Charging speeds
160 kW DC fast charging
20 to 80 percent in around 35 minutes
11 kW AC charging as standard
Optional 22 kW AC charger for faster home or workplace charging
Around 12 hours for a full charge on a standard 7 kW home charger
Exterior Highlights
Jeep has kept the familiar Jeep identity alive. Even from a silhouette, the Compass is instantly recognisable.
Key exterior points
Signature Jeep face with the full lighting element integrated
Sensors neatly housed behind the illuminated grille section
360 degree cladding around the body for protection
200 mm ground clearance
470 mm water wading capability
Short overhangs for improved interior space
New illuminated rear badge
Rugged, dirt friendly finish that suits the Jeep character
550 litre boot space, larger than the previous Compass
40:20:40 split folding rear seats
The boot also gets useful under-floor storage for cables and small accessories.
Interior Review
Step inside and the first impression is generous space. The reviewer is 169 cm tall and with the front seat set for that height, the rear still feels roomy. Visibility is high, seating position is commanding and the cabin feels practical.
Cabin materials and feel
The cabin has the typical Jeep ruggedness:
Hard plastics instead of soft, premium trim
Rubberised surfaces that can be scratched without causing damage
Tough floor mats designed for muddy outdoor use
Adventure themed details like boulder and rock patterns
Large storage count increased from 12 litres to 34 litres in total
Massive glovebox and deep centre storage spaces
The design is functional instead of plush. Some buyers may miss more personality or colour inside the cabin, but the materials clearly aim for long-term durability, especially for families with kids, pets and outdoor gear.
A panoramic roof is optional and would help brighten the cabin. The absence of it in the test car makes the interior feel darker.
Screens and Features
The new Compass brings a modern set of displays and controls.
Digital and infotainment features
10 inch driver display with simple readouts
Optional head up display
16 inch infotainment screen with permanent climate controls on both sides
Physical haptic buttons for quick access
Heated and ventilated front seats
Optional massaging seats with multiple patterns
Wireless charging pad
Multiple USB ports
Rotary gear selector dial
Terrain selector dial for Snow, Sand and Mud, Sport and Auto modes
One pedal driving mode
Adjustable regeneration levels through steering paddles
Stellantis systems are known for their straightforward approach and this one is no different. Navigation, menus and climate controls are easy to operate.
Driving Experience
The drive starts with light off-roading. Even in its FWD form, the Compass manages bumps and uneven surfaces with planted confidence. The proper AWD model is still months away, but Jeep’s tuning gives the FWD version decent stability.
Performance
213 horsepower
0 to 62 mph in about 8.5 seconds
Smooth and quiet acceleration
Not designed for sporty driving
For the AWD Overland version arriving in 2026, power increases to 375 hp, but the focus remains capability rather than speed.
Ride and handling
Steering feels loose and could use more connection
One pedal driving works very well
Good ride quality over bumps
Noticeable wind noise at motorway speeds due to boxy design
Strong regen braking when needed
On normal roads, the Compass feels similar to other Stellantis SUVs. On rougher tracks, however, the Jeep DNA becomes more noticeable.
Practicality and Everyday Use
Most Compass buyers will use it for family life more than hardcore off-roading. For daily use:
Good visibility
Lots of cubby storage
Comfortable seating height for kids
Large boot for luggage and dogs
Durable interior surfaces
Easy one pedal driving in traffic
The Compass will likely spend more time at schools, supermarkets and ring roads than forests. But it still keeps enough ruggedness to satisfy Jeep fans.
Pricing
For the UK market:
Entry Altitude version: £36,999
First Edition 74 kWh: £39,200
Bigger battery and AWD prices to be announced in 2026
The First Edition also gets:
20 inch alloy wheels
LED Matrix headlights
Hands free powered tailgate
Standard heat pump
Verdict: Is the New Jeep Compass Still a Jeep?
The Compass EV keeps the Jeep personality where it matters. It is rugged enough for light off-roading, tough enough for messy family life and modern enough with tech and range. Compared to rivals:
Citroen EC5 feels more comfortable
Skoda Enyaq feels more spacious
Peugeot E3008 feels softer
But Jeep owners will like the Compass the most
In simple terms:
If you want a proper Jeep feeling in an electric SUV, the new Compass delivers it.
Jeep Compass EV FAQ
Is the new Jeep Compass EV still a true Jeep?
The reviewer mentions that Jeep has always been about passion, freedom, adventure, and authenticity. During off-road sections, the Compass EV feels rugged and capable, and the personality of a Jeep is still present. On normal roads, the feel becomes more neutral, but the off-road traits bring back that classic Jeep character.
What are the main design highlights of the new Compass EV?
The Compass EV carries the familiar Jeep face with the recognizable silhouette. It has 360 degree cladding that handles scuffs, short overhangs for more cabin space, a ground clearance of 200 mm, and a water wading ability of 470 mm. The rear now includes a light up badge and 550 L boot space with a 40 20 40 seat split.
How spacious is the interior of the Compass EV?
The interior feels spacious due to the short overhangs and overall size of the vehicle. The reviewer, who is 169 cm tall, has good knee room in the back. There is plenty of storage onboard, including rubber lined compartments, large floor mats, a big glove box, and multiple cubbies. The total interior storage has gone up from 12 liters to 34 liters.
Are the interior materials premium?
The reviewer highlights that the Compass EV uses rugged materials by design. The plastics, rubber surfaces, and scratch resistant panels are intentional to fit the adventure lifestyle. The cabin is built to withstand muddy boots, kids, and pets. It is not designed to be plush but durable and practical.
What screens and features are included inside?
The Compass EV features a 10 inch digital driver display, an optional head up display, and a 16 inch infotainment system with climate controls placed permanently on the sides. It offers physical buttons for main functions, heated and ventilated seats, and an optional massaging seat with modes like cat paw and snake.
Does the Compass EV offer one pedal driving?
Yes. Even though many Stellantis cars skip it, the Compass EV does include one pedal driving. A dedicated button activates it. The car also has paddle based regen adjustment similar to the Peugeot E3008.
What battery and range options are available?
The smaller 74 kWh battery offers around 310 miles WLTP. A bigger battery coming in early 2026 is expected to deliver around 404 miles WLTP. The all wheel drive version coming mid 2026 will pair the bigger battery with a range of around 370 miles. Real world winter range may be lower.
What about performance and power?
The FWD version produces 213 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in about 8.5 seconds. This model is not built for speed and is aimed at family usage and mild off-roading. The AWD model coming in 2026 will offer 375 horsepower.
How does the Compass EV drive on rough terrain?
Off-road capability is strong for its class. The reviewer says the Compass EV performs well over bumps and uneven surfaces, even in the front wheel drive version. The upcoming Overland 4xe variant will sit 10 mm higher and deliver more serious off-road ability.
How is the driving experience on normal roads?
The steering feels loose and lacks connection to the wheels. Ride comfort is acceptable, but wind noise is noticeable on motorways because of the boxy shape. For everyday school runs, city errands, and family use, the Compass EV is easy to drive and quiet inside.
What are the charging speeds for the Compass EV?
The Compass EV supports 160 kW DC fast charging that takes around 35 minutes for 20 to 80 percent. Standard AC charging is 11 kW, and upgrading to 22 kW AC is optional. Most owners will use 7 kW home charging, which takes around 12 hours for a full charge.
What is the price of the new Compass EV?
The First Edition 74 kWh version starts at £39,200. The entry level Altitude trim starts at £36,999 but does not include a heat pump. Prices for the bigger battery versions will be announced closer to launch in 2026.
How does the Compass EV compare with alternatives?
If comfort and lower price matter, the Citroen EC5 is a better option. For more interior space, the Skoda Enyaq is a strong alternative. But for buyers who want a Jeep with a rugged feel, the Compass EV delivers that personality and capability.
