Jeep is quickly ramping up its line-up of electrified SUVs, with the majority of the brand’s models in Europe now using hybrid powertrains.
Slotting between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee in Jeep’s SUV range is the Compass. Rivalling models like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, the Compass is now offered as either the regular e-Hybrid model or with a new Plug-in Hybrid option.
It’s the latter that’s our focus here, so here’s what you need to know.
What powertrain does the Jeep Compass 4xe use?
The Jeep Compass 4xe pairs together a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 237bhp, which makes it the most powerful Compass model offered to date.
Getting up to 60mph takes as little as 7.5 seconds, and it would hit a top speed of 124mph, where permitted. But efficiency is where this Jeep really shines, as it’s able to travel for 30 miles on electricity. If you make the most of that EV ability, Jeep says it can return a claimed 157mpg, with CO2 emissions standing at 45g/km, which is particularly low for a vehicle of this type.
The other bonus is that the Compass 4xe offers four-wheel-drive capability, unlike many in this class, while a six-speed automatic gearbox is adopted.v
What trim levels are offered?
Three trim levels are available on the Jeep Compass 4xe, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
Upland – from £41,495
Standard equipment is very generous on the Compass plug-in hybrid, including keyless entry, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. You also get adaptive cruise control with Highway Assist, a wireless smartphone charger and 18-inch alloy wheels to name just a few features
Trailhawk – from £41,495
The Trailhawk is designed to be the most rugged version of the Compass and gets a more muscular styling kit with underbody protection. It also gets Jeep’s Selec-Terrain driving modes, with a specific ‘Rock’ setting and hill descent control. Off-road wheels and tyres are also fitted to help in tougher settings.
S – from £42,495
At the top of the line-up, the ‘S’ model comes with large 19-inch satin grey alloy wheels, along with an electric boot, black leather seats and an electric driver’s seat. Other styling changes include gloss black exterior accents, a black roof and body-coloured painted lower trim and wheel arches (in place of the usual black plastic).
What about personalisation?
Jeep offers plenty of choice with the Compass, with six different colours on offer (solid black is the free finish), and these shades can be combined with a bi-tone black roof to add extra street cred to the Compass.
Other options available include a dual-pane sunroof for £1,200, while a spare tyre might be worth optioning, though a full-size one at £275 seems like a lot of money. Ventilated leather seats can also be had for £1,250.
