2024 Jeep Compass Hybrid takes aim at Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Off-road brand Jeep has announced its Compass compact SUV is going hybrid only in Australia.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Jeep Compass 4xe and Compass e-Hybrid will take over the local range in the first half of 2024, replacing the existing petrol and diesel powertrains.

The new electrified Jeeps shape as logical rivals for the immensely popular Toyota RAV4 and Corolla Cross hybrids, the plug-in Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Sport PHEV and the incoming Hyundai Kona and Tucson hybrids and Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power hybrids.

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The Compass models will join the imminent Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and the battery electric Jeep Avenger, which is also scheduled for 2024, as electrified models in the local line-up.

The Jeep Compass 4xe is claimed to deliver 50km of zero emissions city driving, while the e-Hybrid can offers full electric propulsion at start-up, when travelling at low speeds, cruising and in parking manoeuvres.

2024 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid.
2024 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid.

The Compass 4xe comes with 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with two e-motors – one of which is located on the front axle and the other on the rear axle – and an 11.4kWh battery pack.

Combined outputs can be as high as 179kW and a 7.5 second 0-100km/h time is claimed.

Check out John Carey’s report from the European launch of both the Compass 4xe and smaller Renegade 4xe here.

The e-Hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, a seven-speed dual clutch and integrated 48-volt 15kW e-motor to drive only the front wheels – which means it’s very much an on-roader rather than off-roader.

Pricing and equipment for both models will be detailed closer to launch. The current Australian Compass line-up is priced from $41,400 to $59,100 across four different model lines.

2024 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid interior.
2024 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid interior.

Stephen Corby

Stephen is a former editor of both Wheels and Top Gear Australia magazines and has been writing about cars since Henry Ford was a boy. Initially an EV sceptic, he has performed a 180-degree handbrake turn and is now a keen advocate for electrification and may even buy a Porsche Taycan one day, if he wins the lottery. Twice.