2026 Jeep Compass in Durham, NC
Standard on All TrimsHeated seats4x4 AWDEvery configuration
Sport Durst Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM -- Durham, NC
4x4 Standard -- Heated Seats Standard -- Every Trim
Jeep
Compass
2026 -- The Accessible Jeep for Durham
200 hp2.0L Turbo
31 mpgHighway
4x4AWD -- Standard
59.8 ft3Max Cargo
Durham's Entry into Jeep
Compact Size.
Serious Standard Equipment.
What's Standard on Every Single 2026 Compass Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, AWD, remote start, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, 200-hp turbo engine, LED headlamps, and 8.4-inch touchscreen. Even at the base Latitude trim.
23/31 mpg
City / Highway EPA
59.8 ft3
Max Cargo Volume
2,000 lb
Towing Capacity
8.1 in
Ground Clearance
The 2026 Jeep Compass is the most accessible way into the Jeep lineup -- and it doesn't apologize for what it includes. For Durham drivers navigating everything from NC-147 through downtown to a Eno River trailhead parking lot to a trip out to Jordan Lake for the weekend, the Compass handles all of it without demanding you give up comfort to do it.
The 2.0L turbo engine has been a genuine improvement since its introduction -- reviewers consistently note that it transformed the Compass from something you bought on budget to something you actually want to drive. Paired with an 8-speed automatic and AWD standard, it is composed and confident in everyday use. The Trailhawk trim takes it further with genuine trail capability.
Browse Compass Inventory
Gallery
Every Trim.
One Capable Compact.
Hero Exterior
Latitude Trim
Latitude Altitude Trim
Limited Trim
Trailhawk Trim
Interior -- Front and Rear Seats
Available Panoramic Sunroof
Powertrain
200 hp.
AWD Standard.
The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder is the engine that changed the Compass story -- from an underpowered budget entry to a genuinely enjoyable compact SUV.
200 hp
Horsepower
221 lb-ft
Torque
23/31
City / Hwy MPG
2,000 lb
Towing Capacity
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on every trim -- not an upgrade. The AWD system works well in everyday mixed conditions: wet pavement on Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd in winter, loose gravel on a Trailhawk run, or simply rain on I-40 heading toward Raleigh-Durham International.
Reviewers consistently note that 24 to 26 MPG in combined driving is realistic -- better than the EPA combined estimate. For a compact SUV with AWD standard, that's a strong real-world number. Fuel economy and capability don't always coexist this well.
- 2.0L Turbo I-4 -- 200 hp / 221 lb-ft
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- All-Wheel Drive -- Standard on Every Trim
- 23 City / 31 Highway / 26 Combined MPG (EPA)
- 8.1-Inch Ground Clearance (Standard) / 8.7-Inch (Trailhawk)
- 2,000 lb Towing Capacity -- Properly Equipped
Exterior
Grand-Cherokee Styling.
Compact Footprint.
The Compass borrows its design language from the larger Grand Cherokee -- seven-slot grille, squared shoulders, and a stance that looks more capable than most compact crossovers. LED headlamps are standard. The Altitude packages add blacked-out wheels, grille, and accents for a sharper look. The Trailhawk gets 17-inch black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and red tow hooks front and rear.
- LED Headlamps -- Standard
- 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels -- Latitude Standard
- Available Gloss Black Altitude Appearance Package
- Available Panoramic Sunroof (Limited and above)
- Trailhawk: Black Wheels + All-Terrain Tires + Red Tow Hooks
- Available Hands-Free Power Liftgate (Limited+)
Interior
Heated Seats.
Standard. Not Optional.
The Compass Latitude includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard equipment -- not an upgrade, not a package. For Durham winters (they happen) and early-morning commutes when the temperature dips below 40, this matters in a way that becomes obvious the first time you drive a competitor that charges extra for it. The interior is clean, practical, and sized right for compact-SUV buyers who don't want to give up useful tech for a sensible price.
- Heated Front Seats -- Standard All Trims
- Heated Steering Wheel -- Standard All Trims
- Up to 59.8 cu ft Maximum Cargo Space
- Available Dual-Zone Automatic Climate (Limited+)
- Leatherette Seating -- Limited Trim Standard
- Available 9-Speaker Alpine Audio System
Cabin Experience
Physical Controls.
Large Touchscreen.
US News praises the Compass for keeping physical buttons for almost everything -- a genuine plus in a segment that has moved to all-touchscreen controls that require eyes-off-road to use. The 8.4-inch base screen is good; the 10.1-inch on Latitude Altitude and above is better. The 10.25-inch digital cluster on the Limited is a meaningful upgrade for the driver's view. The dashboard design is clean, the menus are easy to learn, and the physical climate controls work without distraction.
- Physical Climate Controls -- Standard
- 8.4-Inch Uconnect 5 Touchscreen -- Latitude Standard
- 10.1-Inch Uconnect 5 -- Latitude Altitude and Above
- 10.25-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster -- Limited and Above
- Remote Start -- Standard All Trims
- Keyless Entry and Start -- Standard
Technology
Connected by Default.
Wireless. Standard.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard -- no cable required. The Compass also ships with more USB ports than most competitors in its class.
Infotainment
Uconnect 5
The 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard on Latitude; the Latitude Altitude steps up to 10.1 inches. Both run Uconnect 5 with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto -- no cable, no adapter. Intuitive menus and responsive touch.
- 8.4-Inch Uconnect 5 -- Latitude Standard
- 10.1-Inch Uconnect 5 -- Latitude Altitude+
- Wireless Apple CarPlay -- Standard
- Wireless Android Auto -- Standard
- Wi-Fi Hotspot -- Standard
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio -- Standard
Connectivity
Ports and Power
Multiple USB ports come standard for device charging throughout the cabin. Remote start is standard -- useful for warming the car on cold Durham mornings before you leave the house. Amazon Alexa integration is available on equipped trims.
- Multiple USB Ports -- Standard
- Remote Start -- Standard All Trims
- Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling -- Standard
- Available Amazon Alexa Integration
- Available Wireless Device Charging (Limited+)
- Jeep Connect App -- Remote Vehicle Features
Audio and Cluster
Sound and Display
A six-speaker audio system is standard. The available nine-speaker Alpine system -- available from Limited trim up -- is a notable improvement. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on the Limited and above is configurable and sharp.
- 6-Speaker Audio -- Latitude Standard
- Available 9-Speaker Alpine System (Limited+)
- 7-Inch Partial Digital Cluster -- Latitude
- 10.25-Inch Full Digital Cluster -- Limited+
- Available Rear-Seat USB Charging Ports
- Available Navigation (Limited via GPS / All trims via CarPlay)
Safety
The Full Suite.
Standard from the Start.
Every 2026 Compass includes a meaningful set of active safety features as standard equipment -- not locked behind the top trim or a safety package.
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
With Automatic Emergency Braking -- including Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. Standard on all 2026 Compass trims. Covers the scenarios that matter most in mixed urban and suburban driving around Durham.
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
With Rear Cross-Traffic Alert -- standard on all trims. Covers lane changes on I-40 or US-15-501 and helps when backing out of parking spaces on busy streets near Duke's campus.
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
With lane departure steering assist -- actively nudges the steering wheel toward lane center if you drift without a turn signal. Standard. Driver attention monitor also standard for longer trips.
Standard
Backup Camera
Standard on all trims. The Compass's compact footprint parks well in tight spaces, and the camera confirms what the sensors tell you. Rear parking sensors are standard on Limited and Trailhawk, optional on Latitude.
Standard on Limited/TH
Adaptive Cruise Control
Stop-and-go adaptive cruise is standard on Limited and Trailhawk trims, and optional on Latitude. Maintains following distance on I-40 or NC-147 and brings the vehicle to a full stop in traffic.
Standard
Automatic High Beams
Standard on all Compass trims. Switches between high and low beam automatically when other vehicles are detected -- useful on darker roads outside Durham where the lighting situation changes quickly.
Trim Lineup
Five Trims.
Every One with 4x4.
All five 2026 Compass trims come with AWD, the 200-hp turbo, and heated seats standard. What changes is how much technology, luxury, and trail capability you want.
Base
Latitude
- 8.4-In Uconnect 5 -- AWD
- Heated Seats + Wheel Std
- 6-Speaker Audio + Remote Start
Best Value
Limited
- Leatherette Seats + Power Lift
- 10.25-In Digital Cluster
- Adaptive Cruise Std
Trail Rated
Trailhawk
- Active Drive Low 4x4
- Skid Plates + Red Tow Hooks
- 8.7 In Ground Clearance
All trims include AWD, 200-hp turbo, and heated front seats standard. Contact Sport Durst at 919-808-4529 for current pricing and stock.
Trail Rated
Trailhawk.
Compact. Capable. Serious.
The Trailhawk is Trail Rated -- meaning it has been validated in five off-road categories. Active Drive Low 4x4 adds a simulated crawler gear and hill-descent control. Ground clearance increases to 8.7 inches -- meaningful when you're navigating Eno River access roads, forest service trails near the Blue Ridge, or an unpaved stretch near Uwharrie. For a compact SUV, the Trailhawk goes places most in its class won't follow.
- Active Drive Low 4x4 -- Crawler Gear + Hill-Descent Control
- 8.7-Inch Ground Clearance -- Best in Compass Lineup
- Steel Front and Rear Skid Plates
- All-Terrain Tires on Black 17-Inch Wheels
- Red Front and Rear Tow Hooks
- Trail Rated Badge -- Validated Off-Road
- Selec-Terrain System with Rock Mode
- Convenience Group Standard for 2026 (Heated Seats, Remote Start, Wiper De-Icer)
Visit Us
Your Automotive Home
in Durham
Sport Durst Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Address
4501 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd
Durham, NC 27707
(Off I-40 -- easy from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, RTP)
Durham, NC 27707
(Off I-40 -- easy from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, RTP)
Phone
| Mon -- Fri | 9:00 AM -- 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM -- 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM -- 5:00 PM |
Transparency and long-term relationships are central to what we do. Individualized financing, certified Mopar service, and a lifetime parts and labor warranty program. Our Jeep team can walk you through every Compass trim -- Latitude vs Latitude Altitude, Limited vs Trailhawk -- and help you find the right build for how you actually use the vehicle.
Customer Reviews
What Durham Says
About Sport Durst
FAQ
Common Questions.
Straight Answers.
What engine is in the 2026 Jeep Compass?
Every 2026 Compass is powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy is 23 city / 31 highway. In real-world mixed driving, reviewers consistently report 24 to 26 MPG combined -- which is solid for an AWD compact SUV. The engine was new in 2023 and transformed the Compass from a slow, unrefined entry-level option into something reviewers genuinely enjoy driving.
What trim levels does the 2026 Compass come in?
The 2026 Compass comes in five trims: Latitude (base, ~$29,550, well-equipped for the price), Latitude Altitude (adds 10.1-inch screen and black styling package -- the best value step-up in the lineup), Limited (adds leatherette seats, 10.25-inch digital cluster, power liftgate, adaptive cruise standard), Limited Altitude (Limited plus blacked-out exterior accents), and Trailhawk (off-road focused with Active Drive Low, skid plates, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, 8.7-inch ground clearance). All five come with AWD, the 200-hp turbo, and heated seats standard.
Does every Compass come with heated seats?
Yes -- heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on every 2026 Compass trim, including the base Latitude. This is genuinely meaningful in the compact SUV segment, where several competitors reserve heated seats for upper trims or require you to add a cold-weather package. The Compass includes them without asking.
What is the Trailhawk and how capable is it off-road?
The Trailhawk is Trail Rated -- Jeep's own validation standard for five off-road categories: traction, water fording, ground clearance, articulation, and maneuverability. It adds Active Drive Low 4x4 with a simulated crawler gear and hill-descent control, steel skid plates protecting the front suspension and fuel tank, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (versus 8.1 on other trims). The Selec-Terrain system includes a Rock mode. For Durham drivers who want to explore Eno River back roads, Uwharrie trail access, or forest service roads near the Blue Ridge, the Trailhawk is a legitimate choice -- not just a styling package.
What technology does the base Latitude include?
The Compass Latitude is a strong entry point. Standard equipment includes an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM, six-speaker audio, remote start, proximity keyless entry and start, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, and heated front seats. The Latitude Altitude package adds the 10.1-inch touchscreen and black styling accents for approximately $2,115 -- a meaningful upgrade most buyers find worth it for the screen alone.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 Compass?
Every 2026 Compass includes: Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking (pedestrian and cyclist detection included), Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with steering assist, a backup camera, driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams. Adaptive Cruise Control and rear parking sensors are standard on Limited and Trailhawk, and optional on Latitude. This is a comprehensive standard safety suite -- more than most compact SUVs offer without an added package.
Is the Compass a good fit for daily driving in Durham?
Yes -- the Compass is well-suited for the mixed urban-suburban driving that defines most Durham commutes. It's compact enough to park comfortably near Duke's campus or in the Ninth Street District, efficient enough at 23 MPG city for regular in-town use, and the AWD system handles wet roads and light conditions without drama. Wireless CarPlay means navigation runs without plugging in. The physical control layout is an honest plus for eyes-on-road driving on NC-147 through downtown.
Can I take the Compass off-road near Durham?
In Trailhawk trim, yes -- meaningfully. The all-terrain tires, Active Drive Low, and skid plates give it real capability for Eno River access roads, light forest service trails, and gravel roads that would scrape a conventional compact SUV. Standard Compass trims with AWD handle light gravel, unpaved parking areas, and wet conditions well but are not designed for technical off-road. For serious trails at Uwharrie or Pilot Mountain, the Trailhawk is the right pick.
How is the Latitude Altitude different from the base Latitude?
The Latitude Altitude package adds a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen (up from 8.4 inches), 18-inch gloss black painted aluminum wheels, blacked-out grille and exterior accents, and dark interior trim. The total additional cost is approximately $2,115 MSRP over the base Latitude. The screen upgrade alone is the reason most buyers choose it -- moving from 8.4 to 10.1 inches is a daily-use difference that's noticeable every time you glance at the dash. Call Sport Durst at 919-808-4529 to see both side by side.
Does Sport Durst offer financing and Compass service?
Yes. Sport Durst Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM offers individualized financing, certified Mopar service, and a lifetime parts and labor warranty program at our Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd location -- right off I-40, easy from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and throughout the Triangle. Call 919-808-4529 to schedule a test drive or get a straight pricing quote on the specific Compass trim you're considering.
4x4 Standard. Heated Seats Standard. Great Value.
Find Your Compass
at Sport Durst Today
Your automotive home in Durham -- transparent pricing, lifetime parts and labor warranty, and a Jeep team that genuinely knows the lineup.
919-808-4529*Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. EPA estimates: 23 city / 31 highway MPG. 2,000 lb towing requires properly equipped models. Adaptive Cruise Control standard on Limited and Trailhawk; optional on Latitude. Jeep, Compass, Uconnect, Mopar, Trailhawk, Active Drive Low, Selec-Terrain, and Trail Rated are trademarks of their respective owners.