Jeep Compass for South America Incorporates Leapmotor Technology

Stellantis is developing a new Jeep Compass tailored for the South American market, based on a familiar platform with a refreshed design and electrified technology from its Chinese partner Leapmotor; the vehicle is scheduled to debut in 2028.

According to a report by CNN Brasil, the vehicle will be produced at the Goiana Assembly Complex in Pernambuco, where the second generation of the compact crossover is currently manufactured alongside the Jeep Commander.

The multinational automaker launched the third generation of the Jeep Compass in Europe in 2025 and is currently making preparations at its Belvidere, Illinois, plant for its North American debut.

But unlike that model, which is built on the STLA Medium platform, the South American version will retain the FCA Small Wide architecture—on which the second-generation Compass, the Commander, the Ram Rampage, and the Alfa Romeo Tonale/Dodge Hornet are based—in order to avoid adaptation costs.

While the structure remains virtually the same, internal sources suggest that the exterior design, cabin layout, safety systems, and digital features will be very similar to those of the new Compass.

The most significant new feature is under the hood, where South American consumers will have new electrified options.

One of these is an evolution of the 1.3-liter dual-fuel Turbo Flex engine, combined with a 48V mild hybrid system that integrates an electric motor into the dual-clutch transmission.

There is also talk of an extended-range option that will use Leapmotor technology, with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine serving as a generator.

The same report indicates that the Goiana plant is already undergoing retrofitting to locally assemble the Leapmotor B10 and C10 SUVs, making the collaboration between Stellantis and its Chinese partner more feasible.