James CDJR of Cedar Lake - Is All-Wheel Drive Standard on the 2026 Jeep Compass near Highland, IN?
The 2026 Jeep Compass keeps capability at the forefront, and that starts with the confidence of standard all-wheel drive. For drivers navigating lake-effect flurries, wet leaves, or gravel backroads near Highland, IN, knowing that every Compass helps route power to the wheels with the most grip is a meaningful advantage for daily commuting and weekend plans alike. At James CDJR of Cedar Lake, we see shoppers compare compact SUVs every day — and the Compass stands out by making all-wheel drive standard across the lineup rather than a pricey add-on.
Jeep engineered the Compass to balance everyday comfort with real-world traction. Every trim gets a responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired to an 8-speed automatic, and the all-wheel-drive system works seamlessly in the background to manage slip before you ever feel it. With Selec-Terrain, you can tailor response for changing surfaces, while the Compass Trailhawk model adds a more robust all-wheel-drive setup with a unique “crawler” gear ratio and an extra Rock mode to help maintain momentum over uneven, low-speed terrain.
- Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive on every 2026 Jeep Compass
- Selectable Modes: Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud
- Trailhawk Upgrade: Added Rock mode plus a more serious all-wheel-drive system
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 200 horsepower
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic tuned for smooth, confident shifts
- Towing: Up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped
- Driver Assistance: Automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Now standard on Limited and Trailhawk
- Infotainment: 8.4-inch touchscreen standard; 10.1-inch screen standard on Latitude and Trailhawk
- Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available wireless mirroring
Because traction is only part of the safety picture, the Compass pairs its all-wheel drive with driver-assistance features designed to help you stay aware of your surroundings. Automated emergency braking can help mitigate or avoid frontal collisions, lane keeping assist provides gentle steering support, and blind spot monitoring offers added confidence while merging on I-80/94 or navigating US-41 toward Cedar Lake. It is a comprehensive approach for Northwest Indiana drivers who value poise in bad weather and calm on busy highways.
Performance and efficiency are both front-of-mind for local shoppers, too. The turbocharged engine provides confident passing power, and the 8-speed automatic helps keep revs in the sweet spot. While official EPA figures for the 2026 model were not published at the time of writing, the 2025 Compass earned EPA ratings of 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, and real-world highway testing has demonstrated that the Compass can exceed those highway estimates in steady cruising. The result is an SUV that delivers year-round traction without asking you to give up the everyday efficiency you need for commutes between Highland and Merrillville.
Inside, the Compass makes it easy to stay connected when conditions turn. The standard 8.4-inch touchscreen includes natural voice recognition and smartphone integration, while the 10.1-inch display — standard on Latitude and Trailhawk — adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available Alpine audio brings crisp, full sound to your favorite playlists, whether you are winding through neighborhood streets in Highland, IN or heading south toward Cedar Lake for a weekend stop at our showroom.
- Define your driving mix — mainly paved roads with occasional snow, or regular unpaved detours.
- Choose your trim — the Trailhawk adds Rock mode and a more advanced all-wheel-drive system for rougher use.
- Schedule a test drive — ask our team to demonstrate Selec-Terrain responses on different surfaces.
- Plan for winter — consider a quality set of winter tires to maximize the benefits of the Compass’s standard all-wheel drive.
Our product specialists at James CDJR of Cedar Lake are ready to walk you through how the Compass distributes torque, how Selec-Terrain adjusts throttle and shift behavior, and which trim best fits your route from Highland to Crown Point. If you are upgrading from a front-wheel-drive compact SUV, the difference in launch traction and foul-weather stability is easy to feel on a test drive.
In short, if you want an SUV that treats year-round traction as essential rather than optional, the 2026 Jeep Compass belongs at the top of your list. Visit us near Highland, IN to explore trims, see how the system responds in real time, and compare features side by side — all with the straightforward, guest-focused approach you expect from James CDJR of Cedar Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is all-wheel drive really standard on every 2026 Jeep Compass?
Yes. Every 2026 Jeep Compass includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment, including Latitude, Latitude Altitude, Limited, Limited Altitude, and Trailhawk.
What drive modes does Selec-Terrain include, and which trims add Rock mode?
Selec-Terrain includes Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes to help the Compass adapt to changing surfaces. The Trailhawk model adds Rock mode and features a more serious all-wheel-drive system with a crawler gear ratio for confident low-speed control.
Does choosing all-wheel drive affect towing or efficiency?
The Compass is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a solid match for a small utility trailer or lightweight pop-up. While EPA ratings for 2026 were not yet published at the time of writing, the 2025 model earned 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, and real-world highway testing has shown the Compass can outperform its highway estimate during steady cruising.
Which trims include adaptive cruise control from the factory?
For 2026, adaptive cruise control is standard on Limited and Trailhawk. It is also available on other trims, so our team can help you select the right package during your visit.
When you are ready to experience the traction and tech that the 2026 Jeep Compass delivers, stop by James CDJR of Cedar Lake. We are a short drive from Highland, IN, and our team is ready to help you compare trims, set up a test drive, and find the Compass that fits your life.