Jeep’s smallest, most affordable model is switching to an entirely electrified line-up.
The Jeep Compass will drop its existing 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines.
In their place will be new e-Hybrid and plug-in hybrid 4xe variants, which will arrive in Australia in the first half of 2024. That will put the Compass head-to-head with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and MG HS Plug-in EV in Australia.
That will also see the end of Indian sourcing for Jeep’s best-seller, with all Compass models to instead be sourced from Italy – meaning the car will be subject to new import tariffs.
The front-wheel drive e-Hybrid features a 97kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor integrated into the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering a boost of up to 15kW and 55Nm.
The 48V mild-hybrid powertrain allows you to drive in full electric mode, albeit only at low speeds, while cruising or creeping, and in parking manoeuvres.
The all-wheel drive 4xe plug-in hybrid allows for greater electric-only driving, and features an 11.4kWh battery that powers an electric motor.
This is paired with a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
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4xe
Total claimed range is 49km, while total system outputs are 142kW or 179kW, depending on the tune. Jeep Australia hasn’t specified which variant will come here.
It’s also unclear how much prices will increase as a result of the switch to electrified powertrains and European sourcing.
The current Compass range already opens at $41,400 before on-roads, making it one of the pricier vehicles in its segment.
Jeep also hasn’t indicated what the model line-up will look like.
The current Compass is offered in front-wheel drive Night Eagle and all-wheel drive Limited and S-Limited guises with the 129kW/229Nm 2.4-litre four; the flagship Trailhawk, which is available overseas with the 4xe powertrain, currently uses a 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four.
Jeep introduced its first plug-in hybrid model in Australia, the Grand Cherokee 4xe, earlier this year.
It will introduce its first electric vehicle, the Avenger, in the second half of 2024. This model slots in under the Compass in terms of size, though the brand hasn’t confirmed pricing.
The Compass is narrowly Jeep’s best seller. To the end of July, it has sold 951 examples of the small crossover, ahead of the Grand Cherokee (805), Wrangler (658) and Gladiator (507).
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