*Not actual model
Jones Jeep - Is the 2026 Jeep Compass a Smart Winter SUV for Glen Burnie, MD Drivers?
For drivers who navigate cold mornings, slushy commutes, and the occasional ice storm, winter confidence matters as much as style or features. The 2026 Jeep Compass brings standard all-wheel drive, selectable drive modes, and intuitive driver-assistance technology that together make winter driving feel more controlled and less stressful—especially around Glen Burnie, MD where weather can shift quickly between wet and frozen.
Under the hood, the Compass uses a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with an 8-speed automatic. The low-end torque helps the SUV pull away smoothly on slick surfaces, while the transmission’s calm gear changes mean fewer mid-corner surprises when traction is limited. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system is another winter ally, with a Snow mode that optimizes throttle, shift mapping, and traction control logic to help keep you moving when roads get greasy. Add in standard driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring, and the Compass delivers a reassuring toolkit for winter conditions.
- All-wheel drive confidence: Power routes to all four wheels by default, enhancing traction when pavement is wet, slushy, or lightly snow-covered.
- Snow mode tuning: Selec-Terrain’s Snow setting dials in conservative throttle response and smarter traction intervention for icy launches.
- Consistent braking feel: Modern ABS and stability systems help maintain control under hard stops on patchy, variable surfaces.
- Visibility support: Clear camera views and available driver aids assist with lane changes and tight parking when snowbanks reduce sightlines.
The Trailhawk trim adds an extra layer of winter-ready assurance. Its enhanced all-wheel-drive system includes an additional Rock mode and a crawler gear ratio—overkill for a plowed boulevard, but welcome for steep, snow-covered driveways or unpaved access roads after a storm. Even if you do not need Trailhawk capability every day, it is an excellent match for drivers who ski, camp year-round, or head out before the plows.
Inside, the Compass is easy to live with during colder months. The available 10.1-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can keep gloves on and taps minimal. Pair that with an optional 9-speaker Alpine setup for clear calls on salt-battered highways, and the drive stays calm and connected. With seating for five and supportive rear cushions that keep legs comfortable, longer winter travel days feel less tiring for passengers, too.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need dedicated winter tires if the Compass has Snow mode?
Snow mode optimizes throttle and traction settings, but winter tires remain the single biggest upgrade for cold-weather grip. If you regularly face snow and ice, a quality set of winter tires will shorten stopping distances and improve steering control more than any software setting alone.
How does adaptive cruise control help in winter?
Adaptive cruise control, available and standard on certain trims like Limited and Trailhawk for 2026, manages following distance and gentle speed changes. In light winter traffic, it helps reduce fatigue, but you should avoid using it in heavy snow or on unplowed roads where control inputs need to be more deliberate.
What about towing a small trailer in winter?
When properly equipped, the Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds. In winter, reduce speeds, increase following distance, and ensure your trailer has proper tires and lighting. Smooth inputs are critical—accelerate, brake, and steer gently to maintain stability on slick surfaces.
If you want a compact SUV that treats winter driving like part of the plan rather than an unpredictable exception, the 2026 Jeep Compass delivers a smart mix of traction, tuning, and technology. It is easy to park and nimble in town yet confident enough for weekend escapes when the snow is fresh. To explore the right trim and cold-weather options for your routine, reach out to Jones Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram—serving Owings Mills, Glen Burnie, and Jarrettsville—and schedule a tailored drive that shows you how the Compass behaves on the routes you drive most.