Jeep Compass preview test: how it goes, what it looks like and how much it costs for the US SUV built in Italy

Jeep Compass hits the road making it the best Compass ever since it was launched in 2006. It is also probably the most centred car in the Stellantis group. The one that, more than the two previous generations, succeeds in interpreting, in terms of image, style and character, on and off the road, the spirit and DNA of the American brand, that which - on balance - is the most iconic and precious of the Stellantis galaxy inherited, among other things, from the FCA era. The new Compass, which we previewed in a brief test drive reserved for the jurors of The Car Of The Year award, is also very Italian: designed and developed with jeanper pride in Turin and built in Melfi.

At 4.55 metres long, the Compass sports a boxy styling that is very aerodynamically refined (it is the Jeep with the best Cx in history). Belonging to the C-segment, it is famously based on the STLA Medium platform that debuted two years ago on the Peugeot 3008 and is used on the Citroen C5 Aircross, DS N8. It would be reductive to say that the third series of Compass is a different twin to the group's other models based on the same architecture. In fact, Jeep engineers have taken advantage of the STLA Medium, multi-energy for thermal and full electric engines, implementing modifications to raise ground clearance and create true Jeep attack/exit angles with appropriate suspension. The exterior and interior styling is imbued with details and elements that are steeped in the history of the US brand: from the light clusters, to the squared-off wheel arches, to the muscles of the mudguards, from the body protectors to the iconic 7 slits on the front (though here they are closed) to the linear, clean (and easily cleaned, pardon the pun) interior.

With the arrival of the third generation, the Jeep Compass says goodbye to diesel engines. Two front-wheel drive engines will be available at launch: a 1. 2-litre 3-cylinder mild hybrid with 145 hp and a 213 hp electric engine with 500 km of autonomy. This will be followed in 2026 by the 195 c plug-in with 95 km of Ev autonomy (perfect for fleets), long range electrics and all-wheel drive, in keeping with Jeep's all terrain spirit.

The result is perceptible as you drive it, right from the first few metres: the new Compass is a couple of peaks above the generation it replaces (a Frankenstein mutation of the Renegade and the obsolete Fiat architectures of the Marchionne era) not to mention the first series, very little Jeep and a lot Chrysler Dodge with Mitsubishi contamination. On board we appreciate the ergonomics of the infotainment system with its simple and immediate user interface. Even the ever-present transmission shifter control found on Stellantis models has been replaced by a large knob and a rubberized Selec Terrain selector switch for traction management - a nice job of styling. The interior is characterised by robust materials, but some plastics can be improved. The TomTom navigator is to blame, but fortunately there is also Google Map via Android Auto and Car play. Finally, the digital controls and digital buttons with physical feedback are well done. In keeping with tradition, the technical features respect the brand name on the bonnet; it is no coincidence that the car has 20" and 26" approach and exit angles (also useful in the urban jungle), a 15 degree bump angle and a fording capacity ranging from 407 mm and 470 mm depending on the variants (on the Overaland 4x4 the characteristic angles also increase. Tested in the mild hybrid 1. 2-litre 3-cylinder version with 145 horsepower, it convinces with its progressive and lively thrust with consumption from the on-board computer of around 6 litres to cover 100 kilometres. Prices start at around 40,000 euros for the 1.2 and 46,500 euros for the electric.