Jeep has filed the patent for the new-generation Compass in India. This could be an early hint of its imminent launch plans. The patent images show a heavily redesigned exterior. The styling cues resemble those of the third-generation Compass that had made its global premiere in May 2025. Jeep could finally be bringing this to India. More importantly, it could use the Tata Harrier’s Hyperion turbo-petrol engine! The manufacturer hasn’t, however, confirmed any details yet.
Jeep has been updating the Compass lineup in India with special editions in recent months, and the appearance of a patent filing for the new-generation model adds more interest to the story.
The patent images show several important design changes. The front gets a completely new appearance, while the side profile features a window line that has been modified significantly. The rear section also gets chunky body cladding and new tail lamps. The patent images, however, do not show the wheel design. This points to the possibility of the Indian version getting a different wheel design than the global spec. The filing mentions this to be a strict design patent.
Jeep first showed the third-generation Compass last year. Back then, it attracted a lot of attention. The design was a clear departure from what we have traditionally been associating with the Compass name. The new SUV looks sharper, chunkier and more muscular than the previous model.
The front continues to feature Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille. It has however, been restyled for a more modern appearance. On the global model, it gets illumination along its upper section. On either end of the vehicle sit rectangular LED Matrix headlamps with DRLs positioned towards the outer edges.. The bumper gets a chunky appearance and its design can vary across variants. Expect plenty of Bllack cladding and a large central air intake. An active grille shutter and air ducts could also be offered on the production model.
In the side view, we will notice squared wheel arches, a strong shoulder line and deep contours near the lower section of the doors. The window line narrows slightly towards the rear quarter. The roof and pillars will be finished in Black, keeping the contemporary appearance intact. The five-spoke alloy wheels will have a dual-tone design.
The rear will likely have the shoutiest changes, The number plate area is likely to get a contrasting finish and the rear lights will come with a connecting light bar. The Jeep logo is likely to be illuminated on the India-spec as well.
According to Stellantis chief design officer Ralph Gilles, the brief was to make the Compass more rugged and bolder while also making the design cleaner. Jeep has also avoided chrome completely on the new model, citing ecological reasons as well as the desire for a cleaner design.
The outgoing Compass is based on the FCA Small Wide 4×4 (LWB) platform. The next generation will likely move to the STLA Medium platform. However, earlier reports had stated that the transition to this platform failed to meet commercial viability for the Indian market. So, it remains unclear if Stellantis would actually do the platform switch. We will only be able to learn more on this front, closer to the launch.
The new Compass, based on the STLA Medium platform, is notably larger. It measures 4,548mm in length, making it 150mm longer than the previous-generation. The wheelbase has increased to 2,795mm, which is 159mm more than before. This means that the cabin will be roomier, especially when the discussion is about legroom.
The third-generation’s interior has been redesigned almost completely. It gets a large 16-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster- both standard across the range on the global model. Other features include a rotary drive selector, terrain modes, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, head-up display, connected-car technology, over-the-air updates and more. Many of these features are now becoming common finds in the segment.
Globally, the new-generation Compass is only available with petrol engines. It has ditched diesel completely and offers mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. The 48V mild-hybrid version uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine as its base and makes up to 145hp.
The plug-in hybrid uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Depending on the specification, this arrangement can generate up to 222 hp. It is claimed to offer up to 80 km of electric-only driving range. The combined driving range is about 982km.
There is also a fully electric version on offer abroad, which can be had with two battery options- 73kWh and 97kWh.
Although Jeep hasn’t explicitly said that the third-generation Compass will use the 1.5-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol (Hyperion) engine from the Tata Harrier and Safari, it remains a strong possibility. The company has confirmed that the engine will be used on ‘future Compass and Meridian’ models. Back then, we thought the second-generation Compass will get this engine. However, for markets like India, it makes much sense for the third-generation Compass to use the Hyperion engine in place of the 1.2-litre mild hybrid. It thus remains a very strong possibility.