Photo: Jeep
The two new hybrid Jeep models seek to advance the American brand towards a zero-emissions lifestyle in Australia with 'baby' steps and cost between AUD 46k and AUD 70k – that's the equivalent of $30,454 to $46,355 at the current exchange rate, by the way.
In America, meanwhile, the 2024 Jeep Compass Sport kicks off at $25,900, and the highest grade, Trailhawk, starts from an MSRP of $33,895. However, the only powertrain available across the board is a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four with 200 hp, and 221 lb-ft passed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ESS (engine stop/start) technology is the only efficiency aid.
In the Land Down Under, on the other hand, the local division wants to pioneer the "brand's electric evolution" with the all-new Jeep Compass e-Hybrid and 4xe, which are set to reach nationwide dealerships late this year. The company sets to diversify the range of fuel-efficient powertrains, which also includes the 2023 launch of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Avenger EV, and the Compass e-Hybrid boasts a base mild hybrid option mixing a 1.5-liter inline-four with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 17.5Ah 48V battery.
Even though it's a mild hybrid powertrain, the Compass e-Hybrid is capable of traveling as an EV at very low speeds (below 15 kph) and while parking. At the same time, the intelligent system manages propulsion "by automatically switching between fully electric, hybrid, and the internal combustion engine" based on various factors. Total system output is 96 kW (129 hp) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), but Jeep also makes a point to note that Compass e-Hybrid has a bigger (braked) towing capacity than the 2.4-liter Tigershark model at 1,450 kg (3,197 pounds).
Moving up the ladder from the e-Hybrid Limited and Summit front-wheel drive models is the all-wheel drive Jeep Compass 4xe – also sold with Limited and Summit trims. It boasts a smaller but turbocharged 1.3-liter mill mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor for each axle powered by an 11.4 kWh battery. This enables a potent combined system output of 176 kW (236 kph) as the ICE boasts 132 kW (177 kph), and the electric motors have an additional 44 kW (59 hp).
As such, the Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid jumps from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds, can be driven in EV mode at up to 130 kph (81 mph), and tops out at 200 kph (124 mph). Even more importantly, Jeep claims the EV range is noticeable, of more than 47 km (29 miles), and the Powerloop feature enables both electric motors to deliver eAWD traction during extended off-road driving scenarios. It comes with a Type 2 Smart Charging Port at the rear, and on-board charging (AC) is rated at up to 7.4 kW. Unfortunately, there's no mention of DC fast charging capabilities.
In the Land Down Under, on the other hand, the local division wants to pioneer the "brand's electric evolution" with the all-new Jeep Compass e-Hybrid and 4xe, which are set to reach nationwide dealerships late this year. The company sets to diversify the range of fuel-efficient powertrains, which also includes the 2023 launch of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Avenger EV, and the Compass e-Hybrid boasts a base mild hybrid option mixing a 1.5-liter inline-four with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 17.5Ah 48V battery.
Even though it's a mild hybrid powertrain, the Compass e-Hybrid is capable of traveling as an EV at very low speeds (below 15 kph) and while parking. At the same time, the intelligent system manages propulsion "by automatically switching between fully electric, hybrid, and the internal combustion engine" based on various factors. Total system output is 96 kW (129 hp) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), but Jeep also makes a point to note that Compass e-Hybrid has a bigger (braked) towing capacity than the 2.4-liter Tigershark model at 1,450 kg (3,197 pounds).
Moving up the ladder from the e-Hybrid Limited and Summit front-wheel drive models is the all-wheel drive Jeep Compass 4xe – also sold with Limited and Summit trims. It boasts a smaller but turbocharged 1.3-liter mill mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor for each axle powered by an 11.4 kWh battery. This enables a potent combined system output of 176 kW (236 kph) as the ICE boasts 132 kW (177 kph), and the electric motors have an additional 44 kW (59 hp).
As such, the Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid jumps from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds, can be driven in EV mode at up to 130 kph (81 mph), and tops out at 200 kph (124 mph). Even more importantly, Jeep claims the EV range is noticeable, of more than 47 km (29 miles), and the Powerloop feature enables both electric motors to deliver eAWD traction during extended off-road driving scenarios. It comes with a Type 2 Smart Charging Port at the rear, and on-board charging (AC) is rated at up to 7.4 kW. Unfortunately, there's no mention of DC fast charging capabilities.
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