JEEP COMPASS IBRIDA PLUG IN e 4Xe PROVA SU STRADA E OFFROAD

The new Jeep Compass takes a double test drive, with a necessary caveat: the 4xe acronym no longer indicates the plug-in hybrid as on the previous generation, but the 100% electric all-wheel drive version, the most powerful in the range with 375 hp. We tested both: the 225 hp e-Hybrid Plug-in on the road and the 4xe in the mud, on a challenging off-road course, to see if the Jeep DNA has survived the transition to the Stellantis STLA Medium platform. The new Compass is over 15 centimeters longer than the outgoing model: 4.55 meters in length and a wheelbase of approximately 2.80 meters, which translates into plenty of space on board even for those 1.90 meters tall and a 550-liter trunk with a double floor for cables and a charger. The design is completely new: a grille with integrated radar, 360° cameras, a red backlit rear logo, and a family feel consistent with the latest Jeep models. Inside, the 10-inch digital instrument panel debuts, along with a large 16-inch central display with always-on and customizable sidebars, a generous head-up display, ventilated wireless charging, and voice commands with integrated ChatGPT. The dashboard and front panels are well-finished, with comfortable, ventilated, and heated seats; however, the materials in the back are soft only on the door armrest, and flocking is missing in the storage compartments. The plug-in powertrain is all-new: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine producing 150 hp paired with a 92 kW (about 125 hp) electric motor integrated into the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, for a total of 225 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The 17.9 kWh battery promises approximately 90 km of electric range in the WLTP cycle—realistically 70-80 km—and the car always starts in EV mode. However, it only has front-wheel drive: the plug-in, at least for now, forgoes four-wheel drive. TECHNICAL DATA Compass e-Hybrid Plug-in: --- 1.6 turbo + electric — 225 hp / 350 Nm — Transmission: 7-speed eDCT — Drive: front — Battery: 17.9 kWh — WLTP EV range: ~90 km — AC charging: 7 kW Compass 4xe: two motors, 157 kW front + 132 kW rear — 375 hp — Battery: 96.1 kWh usable — WLTP range: 600 km — Charging: 20-80% in 27 minutes — AC 11 kW (22 kW optional) — Dimensions: 4.55 m long — Wheelbase: 2.80 m — Trunk: 550 liters On the road, the relationship with its STLA Medium-based cousins, led by the Peugeot 3008, is noticeable: good dynamics between urban and On the highway, well-managed power delivery, full ADAS with lane centering and semi-automatic lane changing. The regenerative braking is less convincing: even in B mode, it barely slows down for a car with over 100 hp of electric motor. The 4xe adds one-pedal driving and a progressive power delivery that's not stomach-churning despite the two motors. It's off-road that the 4xe truly surprises: specific bumpers that bring the approach angle to 28°, breakover angle to 17°, and departure angle to 31°, raised suspension, Selec-Terrain mode with 50:50 4WD Lock, and a recalibrated, ultra-fine accelerator that delivers torque down to the millimeter. Through fords, deep mud, potholes that put the car on three wheels, and a nice big rock to dodge, with original tires and no specific adjustments, the traction software worked frankly effectively, aided also by the predictive system that reads the terrain with the cameras. A tow hook, dedicated unpainted bumpers, and Overland lettering complete a package that, aesthetically, we like much more than the traditional variants. A few creaking plastic noises are a bit too much, but the result exceeds expectations. To be honest, we won't reveal anything about real-world fuel consumption: first contact, short trip, and full battery. The real issue will be the efficiency of the plug-in hybrid when the battery is flat, the Achilles heel of the previous platform: we'll verify this in an in-depth test. ✔ Extensive technological equipment, Level 2 ADAS as standard ✔ Class-leading onboard space and trunk ✔ Surprising 4xe off-road performance, pinpoint power delivery in sand/mud ✔ Plug-in with significantly improved EV performance and range ✗ Plug-in AC charging stuck at 7 kW, no 11 kW ✗ Regenerative braking not very effective ✗ The 4xe is only available in an all-electric version: the plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive is no longer available ✗ Rear materials a bit stiff, some creaking off-road The new Compass range starts at €40,900 with the 145 hp Mild Hybrid, the e-Hybrid Plug-in starts at €45,900, while the 375 hp 4xe starts at €54,900 with dedicated Upland and Overland trims. Find more information, tests, and comparisons at https://www.techdrive.it Which would you choose: plug-in front-wheel drive or battery-powered 4xe with true all-wheel drive? Let us know in the comments. #JeepCompass #Compass4xe #PluginHybrid -- Our Insta360 Ace Pro2 ACTION CAM: https://bit.ly/InstaTechDrive