The next generation of the Jeep Compass SUV is currently under development and is coming to India in 2026. Codenamed J4U, it will be based on parent company Stellantis’ STLA M platform, which is capable of accommodating a variety of top hats, and ICE and electric powertrains. We had reported on all this five months ago, but a new nugget of information has surfaced – Jeep is expected to bring an all-electric Compass to India with the next generation.
- 2026 Jeep Compass to get electric option
- STLA Medium platform capable of front-wheel-drive and 4WD
- Battery sizes up to 98kWh, with over 700km of range
New Jeep Compass EV: battery, range, platform
The Stellantis STLA Medium platform was unveiled last year in July and has been designed with electrification at its core, though it is also flexible enough to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains. This platform allows for front- and four-wheel-drive vehicles to be made on it and can have battery packs up to 98kWh. Stellantis claims a Standard pack is rated at more than 500km while a Performance pack has a WLTP range of over 700km.
The STLA Medium uses a 400-Volt electric architecture that is said to consume less than 14kWh per 100km, and can be charged from 20-80 percent in 27 minutes, a rate of 2.4kWh per minute. In addition, electric motors that deliver between 218hp and 388hp can be utilised by this platform.
Along with the electric powertrain, the next-gen Jeep Compass is also expected to get turbo-petrol and diesel engine options, though which units will specifically arrive is yet to be confirmed.
Stellantis STLA platform for next-gen Citroens in India
Jeep’s sister brand Citroen is also expected to use the STLA Medium platform to underpin its next-generation models. Given that the platform is modular in nature – lengths and wheelbases can vary between 4.3-4.9m and 2.7-2.9m, respectively – it can underpin a wide variety of vehicles in the C- and D-segment.
The current Compass range as well as Citroen’s C-cubed models (the C3 hatch, eC3 EV, C3 Aircross SUV and C3X sedan) will be the last ones to be based on their individual FCA and PSA architectures. From now on, all models from both brands will be based on the common STLA platform for greater synergies in India.
Fiat brand could make a comeback
As we had earlier reported, with the STLA M platform, bringing back Fiat, a known nameplate in India, will only be an incremental investment for Stellantis from a manufacturing point of view. Stellantis India is understood to be evaluating the commercial viability of relaunching the Fiat brand here and how it could be marketed differently.
The Group currently has three plants in India – one in Hosur, one in Ranjangaon and one in Thiruvallur – so it remains to be seen how the company rationalises production for the upcoming STLA M vehicles.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
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