*Not actual model
Sherman Jeep – Is Every 2026 Jeep Compass All-Wheel Drive — and Why Does That Matter in Skokie, IL?
If you are comparing compact SUVs around the North Shore, one question comes up again and again: is every 2026 Jeep Compass all-wheel drive, and does that actually help day to day in Skokie, IL? At Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we hear this from shoppers who commute on the Edens, park on side streets after a snowstorm, and head out to forest preserves on weekends. Here is the clear answer and what it means for confidence, comfort, and capability in Chicagoland.
Yes — every 2026 Jeep Compass includes an all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment across the lineup. That standardization is a big deal in this segment and it is one of the reasons the Compass stays true to classic Jeep capability in a compact, easy-to-park package. For drivers in Skokie, IL, this means built-in traction for four-season driving without needing to climb the trim ladder or add a separate option.
The 2026 Compass pairs a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The system distributes power to the wheels that can use it best, and Selec-Terrain drive modes help tailor response for changing conditions. Choose Auto for everyday commuting, Snow when lake-effect flurries hit, or Sand/Mud for rutted alleys and unpaved lots. The Trailhawk model upgrades to a more advanced all-wheel-drive system with a crawler gear ratio and an additional Rock mode, expanding low-speed control for tougher terrain.
Why it matters locally: winter traction and year-round stability. When the plows have not finished side roads, standard all-wheel drive can help the Compass pull away cleanly from stop signs and maintain composure on uneven surfaces. On-ramps to I-94 often demand decisive merges; the Compass feels surefooted accelerating through those short windows, and the system’s quick responses help reduce wheel slip across patchy pavement.
Efficiency remains a priority as well. While the EPA had not posted 2026 figures at the time of writing, the 2025 Compass carried ratings of 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, and independent highway testing returned 35 mpg at a steady 75 mph. That blend of traction and efficiency is exactly what many Skokie commuters want — confident in foul weather, easy on fuel on clear days.
Technology and safety support the all-weather mission. The Compass offers an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10.1-inch screen standard on select trims for a bigger map view and wireless smartphone mirroring. Driver-assistance features include Automated Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring. Adaptive Cruise Control is now standard on Limited and Trailhawk, a great benefit for longer stretches on the Tri-State or when slogging through stop-and-go traffic on Touhy or Dempster.
Space and utility round out the daily advantages. The Compass seats five, with supportive back-seat cushions that help on longer drives. When properly equipped, towing capacity reaches up to 2,000 pounds — enough for a small trailer or pair of snowmobiles — and the cargo bay handles family errands, sports gear, and weekend projects with ease.
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard on every 2026 Compass for confident traction in four seasons.
- Selec-Terrain: Mode selector for Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud, with Rock mode exclusive to Trailhawk.
- Trailhawk Hardware: Enhanced all-wheel-drive system with a crawler gear ratio for added control.
- Driver Assistance: Automated Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring standard; Adaptive Cruise Control standard on Limited and Trailhawk.
- Towing: Up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped for small campers and utility trailers.
Ready to feel the difference standard all-wheel drive makes? Visit our showroom on N. Skokie Blvd. Our product specialists will guide you through Selec-Terrain modes, set up your smartphone on the touchscreen, and map a test loop that includes surface streets and highway stretches so you can experience how the Compass handles real Chicagoland roads. We proudly serve neighbors from Niles, Evanston, Park Ridge, and across the North Shore, and our in-house finance team can help you get pre-qualified before you arrive for a streamlined visit.
- Test the launch: From a stop on a side street, feel how the Compass pulls away smoothly in Snow mode.
- Merge with confidence: Use a highway on-ramp to experience stable, straight-line acceleration.
- Try quick lane changes: Note steering response and body control on sweeping transitions.
- Check visibility and tech: Confirm camera views, smartphone mirroring, and safety alerts fit your routine.
Our service team is here long after delivery with Mopar parts, early-bird hours, Saturday appointments, and quick-turn maintenance to keep your Jeep running at its best through every season. If your search begins with one key question — is every 2026 Jeep Compass all-wheel drive — the answer is yes, and our team is ready to help you experience why that matters in and around Skokie, IL.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is every 2026 Jeep Compass all-wheel drive?
Yes. All 2026 Compass models include an all-wheel-drive system as standard. Trailhawk adds a more advanced setup with a crawler gear ratio and an exclusive Rock mode for Selec-Terrain.
How does all-wheel drive impact fuel economy on the Compass?
The 2025 Compass was rated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, and independent testing achieved 35 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive standard, you get year-round traction without giving up the highway efficiency many commuters expect.
What makes the Trailhawk different for winter or light off-road use?
Trailhawk upgrades the all-wheel-drive hardware, adds a crawler gear ratio for controlled low-speed driving, and includes Rock mode in Selec-Terrain. Those enhancements help when navigating deep snow ruts, gravel access roads, or rough trailheads.
Which driver-assistance features support four-season driving?
Automated Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring are standard. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on Limited and Trailhawk, helping reduce fatigue in traffic or during longer winter drives.
