The Jeep Compass has become one of the pillars of the Jeep range in EuropeAnd its new generation represents a profound change in technology and, in a way, positioning. The leap to a completely new architecture places it at the heart of the battle among electrified compact SUVs.
For this iteration, the Compass has been developed on the Stellantis Group's STLA Medium platform, a base shared with other models from the conglomerate but adapted to Jeep's SUV focus. The result is a car that combines electrified powertrains—from mild hybrids to pure electrics—with a focus on everyday and family use, while still retaining the adventurous spirit that is part of the brand's identity.
Range and electrified versions of the new Jeep Compass
The big news of this generation is that the Compass For the first time, it offers a 100% electric range.This new version joins the existing mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The powertrain lineup is now structured into three main categories designed for different types of users and customers, ranging from those simply seeking the ECO label to those wanting to completely eliminate fossil fuels.
The Compass is located in the access area. 145 hp mild hybrid (MHEV) with ECO labelIt uses the familiar 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the Stellantis group, paired with a small electric system integrated into the automatic transmission. It's not a hybrid capable of driving in 100% electric mode for long distances, but rather a system designed to reduce urban fuel consumption and meet the most stringent emissions regulations.
One step above is the 225 hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which boasts of DGT ZERO badgeThis variant combines a combustion engine and an electric motor with a rechargeable battery, allowing for daily commutes in electric mode if a charging point is available. It's the most logical option for those who live in a large city but don't want to give up the versatility of a combustion engine car for long journeys.
Then there's the all-electric Compass range. Jeep has launched several configurations, with three power levels: 213 hp, 231 hp and 375 hpThe first two offer front-wheel drive, while the most powerful adds a second electric motor on the rear axle, making it all-wheel drive. This second rear motor, according to the manufacturer, can work with a reducing function.
Exterior design: robust, yet more civilized image
The design of the new Compass responds to a clear strategy: to offer a SUV that looks very Jeep at first glanceAlthough it shares underlying genes with models like the Peugeot 3008 or the Citroën C5 Aircross, the bodywork features muscular lines, a high hood, and a solid overall stancewhich helps maintain that image of a tough, all-terrain vehicle that is so characteristic of the brand.
The front is probably the most recognizable part. The classic seven slot grill It remains, although in the electric versions most of those openings are practically sealed, serving more of an aesthetic than a purely aerodynamic function. The headlights, with their sharp design and modern technology, reinforce that feeling of a contemporary and technologically advanced vehicle, although they completely abandon the rugged look of the more classic Jeeps.
The Compass shows its most conventional side profile. The proportions are balanced, with a body height that conveys a sense of a settled SUVHowever, the overall design feels somewhat generic. The pronounced wheel arches add a touch of ruggedness, although here the emphasis is more on appearance than on any real intention of intensive off-road use.
At the rear, the tailgate is clean and quite vertical, which maximizes trunk space. The taillights, connected by a light strip, inevitably recall other designs on the market. The overall impression is that Jeep has opted opt for a safe and easily digestible design rather than risking a solution that's too original. It works, but it's not particularly distinctive.
The trunk is positioned as one of the Strengths of the Compass, with 550 liters of capacity and regular shapes that allow for good use of space. The loading sill isn't excessively high, and the verticality of the tailgate helps to fit bulky items. For family use—strollers, suitcases, various luggage—it performs admirably within the C-SUV segment.
Interior and perceived quality: a clearly European approach
The leap inside the cabin is evident as soon as you open the door. The new Compass abandons the somewhat rough and functional interior of previous generations to offer a a much more refined, technologically advanced cabin with a distinctly European flavorThe improvement in perceived quality is noticeable, although not everything is perfect if you look closely.
The dashboard features a design horizontal and orderlyThe central screen is well integrated without adopting the "floating tablet" format so common in other models. The main controls are where you'd expect, and there are no strange ergonomic experiments, making it easy for any driver coming from another car in this segment to adapt.
The materials have taken a positive leap compared to the previous Compass: more appear soft-touch plastics in visible areas and an overall feeling of improved fit and finish. Despite this, hard plastics are still present in the lower interior areas. The front seats are... comfortable and with balanced padding, and the electrically regulated variants may include massage and heating functions.
In terms of habitability, the front seats offer good width and numerous storage compartmentsThere are trays, covered compartments, and a generous space under the center console for storing mobile phones, keys, or documents, which shows that everyday use has been considered.
At second rowLegroom is adequate, as is headroom. It's probably not the most spacious car in the back, but it's roughly average for its class. However, as is typical, fitting three adults in the back is a challenge, mainly due to the lack of width.
Jeep Compass e-Hybrid 145 test
In this initial contact we briefly drove the version 145 HP e-HybridThis variant is designed to account for the bulk of the model's sales, although the other mechanical technologies are also expected to be very well received.
For urban and suburban driving, the 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, along with the support of the small electric system, allows it to perform well, although it's true that on highways, if you want to drive at high speeds, it's not as effective. After all, it's a fairly large and heavy car, so that's not surprising.
That said, the set He comes across as somewhat rough in certain situationsThere may be slight jerking, transitions between the combustion engine and electric motor that aren't always smooth, and a certain feeling of a lack of refinement. The electric motor has limited capacity to move the vehicle on its own beyond maneuvers and short trips, so its function is more to smooth out and assist than to provide a true EV experience.
At the level of chassis and suspensionsIt exhibits balanced handling, especially considering it's an SUV with around 20 cm of ground clearance, which also has a focus on off-road use. It's not the most agile on asphalt, but I certainly wouldn't consider it clumsy when tackling corners.
Since it was a brief initial contact, we can't draw any completely clear impressions, but this first encounter left us with a good feeling. What we can't comment on at all are the fuel consumption figures.
Jeep Compass prices and financing in Spain
In the Spanish market, the new Compass is sold with a financing offer that seeks to facilitate entry into the model through reasonable monthly payments, in exchange for a high final payment for those who wish to keep the car at the end of the contract.
Regarding the RRP without discounts or promotions, The access fee is 43.200 euros for this e-Hybrid engine, so it's not a cheap car, but rather expensive for its category.
