--- title: "2026 Jeep Compass Leak Shows Recon-Like Design, and That’s Cool" date: "2025-05-01" modified: "2025-05-01" authors: - name: "Byron Hurd" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/byron-hurd" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2026-jeep-compass-leak-shows-recon-like-design-and-thats-cool" categories: - "Jeep News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "compact" - "Compass" - "Jeep" - "suv/crossover" --- # 2026 Jeep Compass Leak Shows Recon-Like Design, and That’s Cool ![Jeep Compass leaked render next to current version.]() *\Instagram screenshot via vburlapp, Stellantis, The Drive\* Photos of what appear to be the next-generation [Jeep Compass]() found their way onto the Internet this week, giving us our first look at the brand's upcoming compact SUV. This rugged, sharper aesthetic ticks all the boxes we would've expected to be checked, from the abundant lower-body cladding to the almost comically over-stuffed fender arches. It's all vaguely reminiscent of the upcoming [Jeep Recon](). And, based on spy shots that have circulated recently, we're pretty confident that these pics are legit. We found these exterior renderings in this [YouTube video by AutoYa](), but [Portuguese-language outlet *QuatroRodas*]() has the same and even more images, including a shot of the Compass' new interior, which looks like a decent improvement. The textured, multi-tone dash stands out in that pic, as do the sculpted front and rear seats. We're curious to see whether the materials end up feeling as impressive as they look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YHL4TzGy1k Although cabin upgrades are always nice to see, one of our biggest issues with the [current Compass]() is its size. While its passenger compartment isn't much smaller than the competition's, the Compass comes up way short on cargo volume. Judging by the proportions of the car in these renderings, that may well be the case this time around, too. Images can be deceiving, of course, so we'll withhold judgment until we get a chance to see this thing in person. The car pictured here is destined for Europe, but little should change apart from perhaps the size of the rear license plate surround. ![]() ![]() Since the images were leaked, they weren't accompanied by any mechanical details. We're curious to see how far Jeep will progress in electrifying the U.S.-bound model. Until fairly recently, the company was [gung-ho about electrifying its lineup by the end of this year](); given the recent changes at the company, it's [anybody's guess where exactly they will land](). Although they're more the next class up, the success of the [Honda CR-V](), Toyota RAV4, and [Hyundai Tucson]()/[Kia Sportage]() hybrids give [Jeep]() every reason to want to be in the mix. Powertrain aside, it's kind of surprising that it took the company so long to comprehensively update the Compass to begin with. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by Vince Burlapp (@vburlapp)]() On top of that, the Compass represents more than just the next generation of compact Jeeps. It's also the first in a new range of small Stellantis crossovers that is likely destined for our shores—though perhaps not immediately, depending on the federal government's ever-changing trade policy. Currently, the Compass platform is the same one found under the [Dodge Hornet]() and [Alfa Romeo Tonale](); both arrived here more recently and will likely live longer before being replaced, assuming we see another Tonale at all. As for this baby Jeep, it's supposedly slated to enter production near the end of the year. *Got tips? Send us a note at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories. He brings a light, punchy style to all of his content, believing that there's plenty out there to be laughed at—himself included. Born and raised in Maryland but now based just a stone's throw from Detroit, Byron is an auto enthusiast and generalist who enjoys building and tinkering with things of all kinds, from cars, computers and digital cityscapes, to the new garage that will soon house his fleet (a CT4-V Blackwing, a JK Wrangler and an NA Miata). Inspired by an early love of rollercoasters, Byron quickly caught the high-performance driving itch. He's been tracking and auto-crossing his cars since 2007. In his downtime, Byron enjoys reading, playing city builders, and studying the history of the Motor City. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()