Jeep, and parent company Stellantis, have confirmed the development of an all-new Compass by releasing its first teaser. The company has revealed that the third-gen Compass will be the first model with a 4×4 drivetrain to be underpinned by the STLA medium platform.
Currently, this architecture underpins models like Peugeot 3008 / 5008 and Opel Grandland internationally, and will underpin the upcoming next-gen Citroen C5 Aircross SUV which was recently spotted testing in Spain. Stellantis has also confirmed that the new-gen Compass will enter into production next year at the company’s facility in Melfi, Italy.
The new Jeep Compass will debut first in European markets in 2025 followed by North America markets in 2026. In India, Jeep launched the Compass (second-gen model) for the first time in 2017 followed by a mid-cycle facelift in 2021. The teaser image reveals the side profile of the upcoming Compass and appears slightly longer than the current model. It also feels a bit more rugged and muscular than the existing Compass.
The new Compass will make a departure from its slightly rounded design of the current model to a boxy design with highlights such as heavily-cladded square-ish flared wheel arches, a flat bonnet, tall upright pillars, a flat roofline, and a distinct shoulder line. The blacked-out C pillar gives the roof a floating effect. The rear overhang appears to be short as usual. The front face and rear end is likely to get more or less similar with a seven-slat Jeep grille, rectangular projector LED headlamps, and wraparound LED taillamps.
Jeep is expected to equip the third-gen Compass with multiple powertrain options. These include petrol, diesel, and hybrid power mills. This includes a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol motor which produces 132 bhp. This engine will work in tandem with a 28 bhp electric motor and the system will be mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
New-gen Jeep Compass: Prospective India launch
A couple of months ago, a media report revealed that Stellantis had scrapped the plans for the new-gen Compass in India which was codenamed J4U. The Autocar India report further revealed that Stellantis cancelled this project due to lack of commercial viability. The company believes that sales and export potential from India won’t be able to match the huge investment required.
However, India is the production hub for Jeep for all right-hand driven (RHD) markets, therefore, Jeep has to rethink its strategy and look for a new production for its RHD international markets. More clarity on Jeep’s plans is expected in next couple of years.
