Hastings Jeep – Is All-Wheel Drive Standard on the 2026 Jeep® Compass near Grand Island, NE?
Confidence in winter traction and gravel-road stability matters across Hall and Adams counties, and that is exactly why shoppers ask about the 2026 Jeep® Compass drivetrain. Every 2026 Compass comes with standard all-wheel drive, giving you surefooted capability from the first mile. With Selec-Terrain traction management and available Trailhawk hardware for those who want a deeper bench of off-road control, the Compass is engineered to help you handle slick city streets in Grand Island, NE, muddy two-tracks after a rain, and windswept highway commutes with composure.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four delivers 200 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep all-wheel-drive hardware. Selec-Terrain tailors throttle, shift logic, and traction control to conditions you choose—Auto, Snow, or Sand/Mud—while Trailhawk adds Rock mode and a more serious all-wheel-drive system with a “crawler” gear ratio for low-speed control. In our experience helping local drivers test Compass models back-to-back at Hastings Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, these systems work in the background so that you simply aim down the road and go, whether that road is dry pavement, powder, or pea gravel.
- Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive across the entire 2026 Compass lineup
- Selec-Terrain: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes optimize traction and response
- Trailhawk Hardware: More serious all-wheel-drive system with a “crawler” gear ratio and Rock mode
- Powertrain: 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four paired with an 8-speed automatic
- Driver-Assistance Suite: automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring—adaptive cruise control is now standard on Limited and Trailhawk
That blend of smart traction and approachable performance pays off on the daily. Around Grand Island’s rush-hour mixes and open stretches of US-281 or I-80, the Compass feels settled and predictable, and when winter arrives, Snow mode dials in extra stability for low-friction starts and stops. If your weekends lead you toward gravel roads by the Platte River or trailheads south of town, the Trailhawk model’s added control helps the Compass climb, descend, and maneuver over moderate obstacles without drama.
Capability should not force compromises in efficiency or everyday convenience. While official EPA figures for 2026 were not published at the time this blog was prepared, the previous model earned 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, and returned an impressive 35 mpg in a 75-mph real-world highway test. When properly equipped, the Compass can also tow up to 2000 pounds, which covers a range of light-duty chores and weekend gear. Inside, an 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard, with a 10.1-inch screen available—standard on select trims such as Latitude and Trailhawk—adding wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The result is straightforward, glove-friendly tech that complements the traction systems without distracting from the drive.
If your shortlist includes a compact SUV that can shoulder four-season commuting and still explore backroads, our team at Hastings Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is ready to help you compare trims and systems in person. We will set up a route that mirrors your daily drive near Grand Island, NE, and include a stop on a low-traction surface so you can experience how Selec-Terrain and the standard all-wheel-drive system respond in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is all-wheel drive really standard on every 2026 Jeep Compass?
Yes. Every 2026 Compass is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. That standard foundation is enhanced by Selec-Terrain, which lets you choose Auto, Snow, or Sand/Mud. If you select the Trailhawk trim, you also get a more serious all-wheel-drive system with a “crawler” gear ratio and Rock mode for added control in low-speed, uneven terrain.
How does Selec-Terrain help in Nebraska winters near Grand Island, NE?
Snow mode adjusts throttle response, shift mapping, and traction control to favor smooth, steady starts and consistent grip on low-friction surfaces. On plowed-but-slick neighborhood streets or wind-polished intersections, the Compass uses its standard all-wheel drive to route power where it can help you move out confidently while maintaining stability.
Which Compass trims include enhanced off-road capability?
Trailhawk is the off-road-focused model. It features a more serious all-wheel-drive system that adds Rock mode and a “crawler” gear ratio for precise, low-speed progress over ruts or loose surfaces. Limited and Trailhawk also make adaptive cruise control standard for 2026, pairing confidence off pavement with added convenience on long highway drives.
What else should I know about everyday usability?
The Compass blends year-round traction with practical tech and utility. An 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard, while a 10.1-inch screen—standard on select trims such as Latitude and Trailhawk—adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When properly equipped, maximum towing is 2000 pounds, and driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring to support your awareness in traffic.
Our goal at Hastings Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is to make your selection process simple and informative. If you would like to experience the 2026 Jeep Compass on the same roads you drive every day, contact our team to schedule a test drive—we are a short trip from Grand Island, and we will tailor your visit so you can feel exactly how the standard all-wheel-drive system and Selec-Terrain work for your life here.
Request more 2026 Jeep Compass information
