Sherman Jeep – Does the 2026 Jeep® Compass Come Standard with All-Wheel Drive near Niles, IL?
Shoppers near Niles, IL who want confident traction for four seasons often ask whether the 2026 Jeep® Compass comes standard with all-wheel drive, and the answer is straightforward — yes, every 2026 Compass includes an advanced all-wheel-drive system. At Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, our team highlights this because it is a meaningful differentiator in the compact SUV class and a practical advantage on Chicago-area streets.
The 2026 Compass pairs a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. For drivers who need even more control when the going gets rough, the Trailhawk trim upgrades to a more capable system with a crawler gear ratio and an additional Rock Mode within the Selec-Terrain traction management system. That combination helps the Compass maintain momentum on loose surfaces and steep grades while keeping daily driving smooth and predictable.
To help you decide how this standard capability fits your routine around Niles, here is how the system operates in everyday conditions and on weekend getaways.
- Standard AWD Hardware: A capable 2.0L turbo engine, an 8-speed automatic, and always-on all-wheel drive work together to maximize traction in changing conditions.
- Selec-Terrain Modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud tailor throttle, shift mapping, and torque distribution — Trailhawk adds Rock Mode for slow-speed control on uneven terrain.
- Trailhawk Enhancements: A more serious all-wheel-drive system with a crawler ratio and Rock Mode increases confidence on ruts, rocks, and steep descents.
- On-Road Composure: The Compass feels settled in corners and stable on the highway, providing traction when pavement is wet, slushy, or dusted with early-season snow.
Why does this matter near Niles, IL? Lake-effect snow, slushy intersections, and slick alleyways can arrive without much warning. With Selec-Terrain, Snow Mode softens throttle input and optimizes torque delivery to reduce wheelspin from a stop, while Sand/Mud helps clear ruts on unpaved paths toward the forest preserves. Auto Mode is the set-it-and-drive-it default — great for mixed commutes that move from I-94 to neighborhood streets, where patches of ice and wet leaves can sneak up quickly.
Trims are streamlined for 2026, and all include all-wheel drive. The lineup features Latitude, Latitude Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, and Limited Altitude. The Trailhawk is the off-road specialist thanks to its more robust all-wheel-drive tuning and Rock Mode, while Limited emphasizes comfort with features such as Adaptive Cruise Control now standard on Limited and Trailhawk. Infotainment is equally straightforward: an 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard with voice recognition and navigation availability, while a 10.1-inch touchscreen is standard on Latitude and Trailhawk. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and available Alpine audio make everyday use seamless.
Safety and driver-assistance technology provide added assurance when conditions turn. Every 2026 Compass includes Automated Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring, with additional features such as Traffic Sign Recognition available. Those systems complement all-wheel drive by helping maintain awareness and assist with gentle course corrections, especially during long nighttime highway runs or rush-hour congestion after a snowfall.
Capability extends beyond the pavement. When properly equipped, the 2026 Compass offers up to 2,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity — useful for a small utility trailer or weekend gear. Fuel-economy figures for 2026 are pending, but the previous model year earned EPA ratings of 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. That balance of traction, power, and efficiency supports commuters who want confident winter drivability without sacrificing practicality the other nine months of the year.
At Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Skokie — just minutes from Niles — our team can walk through each trim’s AWD programming and help you test Selec-Terrain on a route that mirrors your daily drive. We also offer quick pre-approval options, a transparent trade-in process, and service support designed to keep your Jeep® running at its best throughout Midwest winters and summer road trips.
If you are narrowing your shortlist, keep these AWD takeaways in mind:
- Every Trim, AWD: All-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 Jeep® Compass — no upgrade required.
- Local Readiness: Snow and Sand/Mud modes help tackle Chicagoland winter slush, spring downpours, and gravel pull-offs.
- Trailhawk Advantage: Rock Mode and a crawler ratio enhance control for off-road trails and steep, uneven paths.
- Daily Comfort: Helpful tech such as Adaptive Cruise Control on Limited and Trailhawk pairs well with AWD for confident commuting.
Visit us near Niles, IL to experience how the Compass’s standard all-wheel drive feels on real roads. Our product specialists can compare trims, demonstrate Selec-Terrain settings, and set up a test drive that answers your what-if scenarios for winter, weekend travel, and daily errands.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are all 2026 Jeep® Compass models equipped with all-wheel drive?
Yes — every 2026 Compass includes all-wheel drive. The Trailhawk trim adds a more capable system with Rock Mode and a crawler ratio for enhanced off-road control.
How does the Compass’s standard AWD help in winter around Niles, IL?
Snow Mode optimizes throttle and torque distribution to reduce slip on slick starts, while Auto Mode continuously adjusts as conditions change. The result is confident traction pulling away from stop signs, merging onto highways, and navigating plowed-but-slushy side streets.
Can the 2026 Compass tow with its AWD system?
When properly equipped, the Compass offers up to 2,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity — enough for a small trailer, bikes, or camping gear for a weekend away.
What driver-assistance features work well with AWD on the Compass?
Standard features include Automated Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on Limited and Trailhawk, adding convenience for longer winter commutes.
