- The all-new Jeep Compass is available as an all-electric, plug-in hybrid or mild-hybrid model.
- The top-spec EV has 375 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
- There are also front-wheel drive versions.
The all-new Jeep Compass is here, and this time it’s official. After some photos were leaked last week, parent company Stellantis has finally spilled the beans on its shiny new compact crossover.
Powertrain-wise, the latest generation Compass will be available in Europe as either an electric model, a plug-in hybrid or a gas-powered mild-hybrid. The most powerful version is the dual-motor electric Compass, which puts down 375 horsepower from two drive units. Stellantis says the 65 hp rear motor was developed specifically for Jeep to enable the Compass BEV to climb 20% slopes even when the front wheels don’t have any traction.
There’s also a front-wheel drive version of the electric Compass with 213 hp, as well as a 195 hp plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive. That said, we don’t know what engine is under the hood of the PHEV model or the mild-hybrid variant.
Based on the Stellantis SLTA Medium platform that also underpins European crossovers like the Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot 5008, the new Jeep Compass is 179.1 inches long. That’s 6.1 inches more than the outgoing Compass, which is sold in the United States. Furthermore, it’s over 10 inches longer than the original Jeep Cherokee XJ and roughly the same length as the first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Charging the electric Compass can be done at up to 160 kilowatts from a DC fast charger and at up to 22 kW from an AC source. When going for the former, Jeep says the state of charge will go from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. As for the battery size, we know that the front-powered EV has a 74-kilowatt-hour pack under the floor, while the maximum estimated range is 404 miles (650 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle.
The two-wheel drive versions have a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and can drive through water up to 18.5 inches deep. The approach angle is 20 degrees, the breakover angle is 15 degrees, and the departure angle is 26 degrees.
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Source: Jeep
The all-wheel drive versions get a 10-millimeter suspension lift and slightly different bumpers that are scratch-resistant. As a result, the approach angle goes up to 27 degrees, the breakover angle is 16 degrees, and the departure angle is 31 degrees. Jeep claims these figures are the best in the European C SUV segment.
All versions come as standard with Jeep’s Selec-terrain traction control system, including the front-wheel drive versions. Meanwhile, the AWD variants will come with a hill descent control system as standard.
Outside, the new Compass looks quite chunky. It has an active grille shutter integrated behind the front bumper to improve aerodynamics, while the traditional seven-slot grille has been closed off–again, for efficiency. The Compass also gets a flat underbody and slots in the front bumper that direct airflow to the sides. Together, all these improvements over the outgoing model led to an aerodynamic coefficient of under 0.3 Cx.
The fanciest versions will come with a two-tone paint job, matrix LED headlights, a sunroof, and 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the Compass features an ultra-wide 16-inch central touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, both of which are standard. There’s also a row of buttons under the big central screen for controlling the infotainment system and climate control system. Jeep also says the new Compass will receive over-the-air (OTA) updates that will add features or remedy bugs over time without having to go to a dealer.
Sales of the all-new Jeep Compass have already started in Europe, where the automaker is taking orders for the First Edition models, which will be assembled at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Italy. European deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter, with more markets to be added later.
