COMPASS GETS A FRESH DIRECTION (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Jeep's Compass 4xe blends PHEV tech with a famous badge. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 45

The Compass 4xe sees Jeep at last bring plug-in hybrid tech to compete with established rivals in the mainstream mid-sized SUV segment. This isn't the kind of Jeep you'd have ever pictured yourself owning. But might the Compass 4xe be one you could credibly consider?

Backgroundword count: 143

In the last few years, we've had to get increasingly used to the idea of a Jeep you've the option of plug-in. Not one as a total EV (though that can't be far off) but various models featuring the brand's '4xe' plug-in hybrid tech. We first saw it with the little Renegade, following which '4xe' versions of the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee and, as here, the mid-sized Compass were launched. The Compass gained the PHEV tech as part of a package of wide-ranging updates made to this 'MP/552'-series model, a car just first launched in 2018. That design couldn't have justified this 4xe variant's quite exalted price point in its original form. But with a smarter look and a much improved interior with considerably enhanced media connectivity, it stands more chance against a tough crop of better established volume brand plug-in hybrid rivals.

Driving Experienceword count: 234

You may have read elsewhere that the Compass 4xe has the same PHEV powertrain as the smaller Renegade 4xe. Well, yes and no. With most plug-in Renegades, the four cylinder 1.3-litre petrol engine this powerplant works with is of the lower-output 130bhp variety, with total output 187bhp. Only the top rarely-chosen Renegade Trailhawk 4xe features this PHEV powerplant mated to that 1.3-litre engine in 178bhp form (total output 237bhp), which is the powerplant combination that features with both Compass 4xe variants. Either way, this set-up features an engine allied to an electric motor on the rear axle, creating a four-wheel drive model with a 6-speed auto gearbox When fully charged, you can expect up to 30 miles of electric-only driving range when the 11.4kWh battery is fully charged. This PHEV variant offers the usual choice of driving modes that you'd expect with a car of this kind, in this case either electric only, Hybrid or one that enables you to save charge for future use in city driving. As you'd expect from the output figure quoted earlier, 4xe performance is quite sprightly: despite this electrified version's extra kerb weight, it'll hit 62mph in 7.5 seconds. And if you want to attempt any kind of off road traversing in a model of this sort, this Compass 4xe would by far be the best choice thanks to its better traction and body clearance from the ground.

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