The all-new Jeep® Compass (J4U) is here (well, at least in Europe)—and it’s doing something no Jeep has done before: chasing down air resistance like a performance car, not just an off-roader. But don’t worry—this isn’t some wind-tunnel blob in disguise. It’s still got that strong, boxy, unmistakably Jeep look. Only now, it’s the most aerodynamic Jeep ever made.
Built from the ground up on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, the next-gen Compass brings something new to the table for American and global buyers alike: serious attention to aerodynamics. That means a flatter underbody, a smarter grille, and even sports car-like air curtains in the rear wheel arches. The result? A drag coefficient (Cx) of less than 0.29—a 10% improvement over the outgoing model.
But this isn’t just engineering for the sake of specs. As Federico De Medio, Global Program Vehicle Synthesis Manager for the new Compass, puts it, “The new Compass is more than just an evolution; it’s a revolution in how we approach efficiency and performance.”
Jeep designers didn’t cave to the usual compromise of sacrificing looks for range. Instead, they added clever, invisible tricks:
-
A fully flat underbody that keeps air moving cleanly underneath while also helping with off-road protection
-
Active Grille Shutters that close at highway speeds when the engine doesn’t need cooling, slicing through the air more easily
-
Aero-tuned wheels that still look rugged, but help smooth airflow
-
Rear tweaks like sharp edges, a functional roof spoiler, and air guides in the back wheel wells—all helping the Compass slip through the air with less drag
That aerodynamic efficiency isn’t just a headline—it makes a real difference. The BEV version of the Compass is projected to offer up to 650 km (about 404 miles) of range on a full charge. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions also benefit, with improved efficiency, stability, and longer driving range thanks to the same wind-cutting design.
As De Medio explains, “With the integration of advanced aerodynamic solutions from the very first sketches, we created a vehicle that delivers significantly reduced drag, increased range, and improved fuel economy across the lineup, while keeping true to the Jeep brand’s DNA.”
So whether you’re looking for a battery-electric vehicle with serious range or a hybrid with smart fuel savings, the new Compass brings it. And just like the Jeeps that came before it, this one’s built with real-world adventure in mind.
Jeep isn’t just chasing aerodynamics to look good on paper. This is about making the Compass more capable, more efficient, and more ready to take you wherever the road—or trail—leads. Aerodynamics, in this case, isn’t about speed. It’s about freedom.
2026 Jeep® Compass (J4U) in the Wind Tunnel Image Gallery:
9 replies
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →