JEEP

Jeep Compass: How does the electric SUV that isn't afraid to tackle rough terrain behave?

Since its market launch in 2007, the Compass has become one of Jeep's pillars, both in Europe and globally. Conceived as a vehicle that combines Jeep's traditional off-road capability with the practicality of a compact SUV for everyday use, the Compass has evolved throughout its generations to consolidate its commercial success in its category (although, according to data, it has performed better in other markets than in Spain).

The previous generation had already won over drivers who were looking for an SUV with the Jeep spirit, but more efficient and versatile than a purely off-road vehicle. Now, with the new generation, Jeep is investing heavily to continue this legacy, adapting to the era of electrification and digitalization without sacrificing the essence that defines the brand. In this context, the new Jeep Compass was presented as a larger, more technologically advanced, and fully electric model, based on the Stellantis Group's STLA Medium platform, the same one that serves as the basis for models such as the Peugeot 3008, the Opel Grandland, and the Citroën C5 Aircross.

Visually, the Compass makes it clear at first glance that it is still a Jeep, but reinterpreted for modern times. It boasts square proportions where aerodynamics takes center stage, as seen in the iconic seven-bar grille, which is completely closed (like in the Avenger). This design enhances its presence, horizontal lines, technology (with rear lighting), and efficiency.

Keeping the focus on performance, the bumper, air intakes, and lower fairings are not mere aesthetic details; they are part of an effort to improve efficiency by up to 10% compared to the previous generation, thanks to a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29. Furthermore, the proportions are more robust, with pronounced wheel arches and a rear end where the tailgate and taillights have been refined to, once again, optimize airflow.

Other less visible details, such as the higher position of the cameras and radar, aim to minimize damage during off-road use, while the four-wheel drive versions add specific features, such as a rear tow hook, emphasizing their adventurous character. However, it is in the Overland version that this adventurous spirit becomes even more pronounced, with specific features and an even greater ground clearance.

This is where the Compass continues to stand out from its rivals, offering up to 20 cm of ground clearance (30 cm in the Overland version) with remarkable approach, departure and obstacle crossing angles: 20, 26 and 15 degrees, respectively, in addition to a wading depth of 45 cm. Speaking of dimensions, this new Compass is considerably longer, measuring 4.54 meters, an increase of 14.4 cm compared to its predecessor. The icing on the cake, by the way, is the color palette with six solid color options and five two-tone options, including the Hawaii Green of our test vehicle, which has no additional cost.

Inside, the generational leap is even more evident than on the outside: the cabin has been redesigned to be more spacious, more practical and more technologically advanced, without falling into the extreme minimalism that forces you to do everything through a screen. Incidentally, although the central monitor is a 16-inch panoramic screen, it offers tactile feedback just below for some important functions, in addition to the physical controls on the center console.

The main interface integrates multimedia, navigation, climate control and vehicle settings on a single screen, with a menu structure designed to be more logical and less confusing than in other models in the group. The 10.25-inch instrument panel also offers specific menus that caught our attention. A head-up display projecting information onto the windshield is also included, making it easier to view the information.

The distinctive touch is achieved through high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and striking aesthetic solutions, such as the various "easter eggs" hidden throughout the interior (subtly disguised design details), where you can find the iconic front grille, rocks, the Jeep Willys, and even a turtle or an eagle. Similarly, modularity is guaranteed with 34 liters of storage compartments distributed around the driver's area.

Thanks to a 15.9 cm increase in wheelbase, the interior space is significantly larger than before. Rear passengers have gained almost 20 mm of legroom, while the trunk capacity has increased to 550 liters, a competitive value in the segment that remains unchanged regardless of the engine chosen.

Always electrified...Because the engine options are not only fully electrified, but also exceptionally varied, just like in its sister models in the group. In this regard, we start with a 1.2 e-Hybrid 48V engine with 145 hp, which features a mild hybrid system that combines a gasoline engine with electric assistance and an eDCT6 automatic transmission, earning it the ECO designation. Jeep announces a total range of up to 970 km for this version, thanks to its official fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km.

Above this version will be the plug-in hybrid, with a combined power of 197 hp and an electric range of almost 90 km, although we have to wait until the first quarter of the year to check out this version. This is because the main focus of the Compass is its trio of fully electric models, which will also arrive in stages.

Initially, it will be available with front-wheel drive, producing 213 hp and a usable 74 kWh battery (80 kWh gross), with a WLTP range of 500 km and an average consumption of around 17.5 kWh/100 km. This model reaches a top speed of 180 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds and supports DC fast charging up to 160 kW. Above this version, the 231 hp version will be available, whose main difference lies in the 97 kWh net battery, which will give it the best range: 650 km.

At the top of the range will be the Compass 4xe, which increases the power to 375 hp, equipped with a new, more powerful rear electric motor, associated with a specific reduction gearbox, which will allow it to reach up to 3,100 Nm of torque on the rear wheels and thus maintain the level of off-road capability expected of a Jeep. And in terms of driving dynamics, even driving the entry-level electric version, like any good Jeep, this Compass shows no fear of leaving the asphalt. In this case, it offers a suspension specifically tuned to find the balance between comfort and precision, with a reduction in body roll of around 20% and 15% less vertical acceleration, resulting in less oscillation and better control. This is complemented by a recalibrated steering for greater precision and smoothness, adapting to the different selectable driving modes.

These modes can be selected using the renowned Selec-Terrain control, which adjusts engine management, steering, electronic controls and, in 4x4 versions, torque distribution between the axles. It offers five programs: Auto, Sport, Snow and Sand/Mud, designed to adapt the vehicle to different types of use and surfaces, from daily driving to challenging trails. We confirmed this during our drive, where the dirt road also played a key role, demonstrating that the car's tuning is even more suitable for navigating natural potholes than artificial speed bumps. The mechanical response, however, is good in all circumstances, and acceleration is satisfactory in almost all situations.

In the case of this 100% electric version, the possibility of regulating braking via the paddles located behind the steering wheel or activating the one-pedal driving function via one of the controls below the screen to stop the vehicle completely is also included.

With this new generation, the Compass is clearly moving towards the more practical side of the segment: it gains in space, comfort, technology and efficiency, and presents itself as a more complete car for daily use than its predecessor. The complete electrification of the range and the arrival of a fully electric version with a range that offers peace of mind also position it interestingly within the increasingly competitive compact SUV segment.

Furthermore, it is a vehicle with greater off-road capability than the others, awaiting the arrival of the four-wheel drive versions and, above all, the Overland version with its specific design and tuning. However, this evolution naturally comes at a price, and in the case of the mild hybrid version with which it will be launched, the starting price is €46,700, reaching €54,100 for the electric version.

Autonews