Jeep Compass 4xe test: leap forward

Already gone green a few months ago, the Jeep Compass 4xe is evolving with a deep restyling giving it a whole new lease of life. But on the road, what does it look like?

It is not a surprise, manufacturers must now green their range, in order to deal with increasingly strict standards, in particular in terms of CO2 emissions. And Jeep is obviously no exception, as the brand now wants to become more virtuous than ever, by turning to hybridization. With the Renegade, the Compass also benefits from a new electrification, now allowing it to escape the penalty. Better yet, it can even claim a ecological bonus, who would’ve believed that ? A real asset for the SUV, which currently represents 40% of the sales of the American brand in Europe. Hence the capital importance of making it more virtuous, in order to better comply with the much feared CAFE standard. Now a plug-in hybrid since last year already, the adventurer also offered a deep restyling a few months ago.

Of course, there is no question of changing a winning team on this new version, but of improving an already aesthetically successful vehicle. Because in reality, it will be better to place the old and the new version side by side to notice the evolutions, as they are discreet, then focusing mainly on the fires and the shield. The grille has also been very slightly retouched, as have the LED taillights, now slightly tinted. A little disappointing? This is because you have not yet seen the interior, which in turn benefits from much more radical developments! It’s quite simple, the whole presentation has been revised, making this driving position much more qualitative and upscale. In addition to the new dashboard incorporating an unprecedented 8.4 to 10.1 inch touch screen, the SUV is also making a real leap forward technologically. And for good reason, the Uconnect system benefits from a nice update as well as revised graphics, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is now wireless. The space on board remains very generous, with more storage space, while the trunk is still displayed at 420 liters.

Comfort and efficiency

While two 4xe versions are available within the Jeep Compass range, we have on our side taken the wheel of the most upscale version, called S and developing no less than 240 horsepower. A cavalry then resulting from the alliance of four-cylinder 1.3 liters gasoline and an electric motor, all then associated with a six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. With a torque reaching 270 Nm, the SUV is rather dynamic, its electric motor offering a real boost to acceleration. But beware, this Compass is not really designed for sporting trips. On the other hand, the very flexible typing of the suspensions makes it very comfortable and perfectly suited to long trips. A flexible damping which will then generate a certain grip of roll in the bends, which it will then be advisable to take at moderate speed. But overall, the American SUV offers very good performance, while the transition from one energy to another is always smooth, and almost imperceptible.

Versatile and designed for everyday use, this Jeep Compass 4xe can also travel about 49 kilometers in all-electric, while ensuring contained consumption, with about 3.3 liters recorded during our test. Extremely well managed, the distribution of the two energies is done intelligently, and the SUV circulates almost all the time in electric mode, the heat engine then only coming into action in the event of strong acceleration. This is then rather straightforward but still remains linear, and the fashion sports will then be preferred if you really want to take advantage of very good covers. For its part, the steering is very flexible but remains consistent enough to provide good feedback and know where the wheels are placed. Overall, the performance is pretty good, even if you have to remember to connect as soon as possible, so as not to ignite consumption when the battery is dead.

Essai Jeep Compass 4xe : our verdict

Operating a real move upmarket compared to the previous version, this Jeep Compass 4xe is now a serious alternative to the stars of the segment.

WE love :

Its interior presentation
Its comfort
Its energy management

We like less:

His chest a little too small
Its consumption when the battery is empty

Jeep Compass 4xe technical sheet:

Engine : four-cylinder, petrol, turbo, 1332 cm3
Transmission : six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive (propulsion in electric mode)
Power (hp) : 240
Couple (Nm) : 270
Weight (kg) : 1 935
Average consumption (l / 100 km) : 2.2 l/100 km
0 to 100 km/h (s) : 7,5
CO2 (g)/malus : 48 g/km
Price from) : 48 700 €