2024 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid & 4xe Review

Since its update a few years ago, the Compass has asserted itself as one of the most spacious members of the compact SUV segment while impressing on the technology front.

2024 has seen the introduction of a range of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Compass, replacing petrol and diesel versions with some more fuel-efficient engine tech.

Just how transformative have the changes been for the 2024 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid and flagship Compass 4xe? Let's take a closer look to find out.

Jeep Compass Competition

How Much Does the Jeep Compass Cost?

Prices for the MY24 Jeep Compass start at $45,990 for the entry-level Compass Limited e-Hybrid.

Stepping up to the Jeep Compass Summit e-Hybrid brings the price to $54,990.

From here, the range moves to the plug-in hybrid Compass Limited 4xe, which is priced at $61,990, while the range-topping Compass Summit 4xe is priced at $69,990.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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Jeep Compass Limited e-Hybrid Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Jeep Compass Have?

Jeep's entry-level Compass Limited range comes riding on 18-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, keyless entry & start, dual-zone climate control, cloth and leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors.

Upgrading to the Jeep Compass Summit range adds 19-inch alloys, upgraded LED headlights with LED fog lights, a black roof, a powered boot lift, leather upholstery with grey contrast stitching and seat ventilation, a powered boot lift, power-adjustable front seats, roof rails and an active driving assistant.

Jeep Compass Connectivity & Infotainment Features

Jeep packages the Compass with a hefty list of entertainment tech, headlined by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display sitting atop the dashboard.

It's a large, high-definition display powered by Jeep's latest Uconnect5 software that makes it quick and easy to navigate, standing as one of the best displays in the compact SUV segment.

Jeep's 10.1-inch display is paired with a six-speaker sound system, and receives DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, with satellite navigation reserved for Summit grades.

Does the Jeep Compass Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Buyers will be pleased to know that all members of the Jeep Compass range offer wireless smartphone mirroring for both the Android and iOS ecosystems.

With Jeep's 10.1-inch unit running on the latest Uconnect5 system, the Compass gives buyers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity which, combined with the wireless charging pad, allows you to simply step inside, place your phone down and access your tunes on the move.

The Jeep Compass also receives a set of both USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear of the cabin to keep your devices charged up.

Is the Jeep Compass Comfortable to Drive?

Behind the wheel, the Compass ticks a number of important boxes buyers are looking for in their small SUV.

Most importantly, the Compass is user-friendly and smooth to drive around town, especially with Jeep's plug-in hybrid powering the 4xe range.

The Compass e-Hybrid receives a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that produces a combined 96kW of power and 240Nm of torque.

Power for the e-Hybrid range is thrown to the front wheels only via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which offers snappy shifts as you pick up speed, though it remains prone to some of the lurching that impacts dual-clutch units at lower speeds.

The e-Hybrid is down considerably in power compared to the previous non-hybrid Compass, though the fuel economy benefits are a worthwhile trade-off.

Acceleration in the Compass e-Hybrid is very, very leisurely, taking around 10 seconds to hit the 100km/h mark.

Stepping up to the Compass 4xe range pairs a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine with a more powerful electric motor, together producing 176kW of power, which drops the 0-100km/h sprint to a more respectable 7.3 seconds.

Jeep's plug-in hybrid powertrain also gives the Compass 4xe the ability to drive on electric power alone, for up to 47 kilometres, making it a much more refined driving experience.

You also benefit from an all-wheel drive system with the 4xe, helping to inspire more confidence on loose and wet road surfaces.

While the Jeep Compass is ultimately limited in its off-road abilities, it does offer a more versatile set of skills than your average compact SUV.

With between 198 - 201mm of ground clearance on offer, the Compass stands taller than the majority of its rivals, while a 4xe proves itself a handy light off-roader thanks to its electric-assisted 4x4 system.

This gives the Compass a heap of torque low down in the rev range, with the help of its electric motor and 4WD Lock and Low modes.

Is the Jeep Compass Fuel Efficient?

Arguably the most important aspect of Jeep's updated, hybrid-only Compass range are the fuel efficiency gains on offer.

The Jeep Compass e-Hybrid now sips a very responsible 5.1L per 100km on a combined cycle, which is a considerable drop from the previous figures of 7.9L per 100km.

Around town, the Compass e-Hybrid consumes 5.2L per 100km, while time on the highway will see it consuming a claimed 4.8L per 100km.

It will come as no surprise to hear that Jeep's flagship plug-in hybrid powertrain is a strong performer when it comes to fuel efficiency.

The Compass 4xe is rated at just 2.1L per 100km, providing outstanding fuel efficiency, though, this does require you to have a fully-charged battery pack in order to lessen the burden on the petrol engine.

Is the Jeep Compass 4xe & Hybrid Practical and Spacious?

One thing that has helped the Compass to stand out in the ever-popular world of small SUVs is the huge amount of space inside the cabin.

Typically, a compact SUV offers a reasonable amount of space up front, though fails to impress - for adults, at least - when it comes to rear accommodation.

This is certainly not the case with the Jeep Compass, which is one of the most spacious compact SUVs on the market.

Step inside the cockpit and you'll be pleased to find ample headroom for tall drivers, a set of comfortable seats and a range of adjustments in the driving position and steering wheel.

Jeep's interior design is fairly simple but effective in keeping things user-friendly.

With a clean dashboard sitting atop large climate control buttons and physical volume controls, it's easy to get acquainted with the Compass' cabin.

There's a healthy amount of storage options, too, with the Compass' centre console housing a wireless charging pad behind the gear lever, a pair of cupholders and added storage inside the folding armrest.

You'll also be able to stash loose items inside the glovebox and inside the large door bins on either side of the cabin.

Move to the rear and there's an impressive amount of space, particularly for a segment filled with pint-sized contenders.

Adults won't have much of an issue sitting in the back row, with a great amount of legroom and space for tall heads, even with the Summit's panoramic sunroof.

The Compass' second row folds in a 60:40 split and picks up two pairs of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts hiding behind the seatback.

All up, the Compass packs a big punch when it comes to space and practicality, with its larger dimensions for the segment offering a sizable premium over main rivals.

How Big is the Jeep Compass' Boot?

The Jeep Compass holds strong when you pop up the powered boot, with a very impressive 438L of boot space in both the e-Hybrid and 4xe versions.

Fold down the rear seats and you'll unlock even more real estate for bulky cargo and sports gear, with the Compass proving itself a heavy-hitter when it comes to boot space, even comparable to some midsize SUVs.

Is the Jeep Compass Safe?

The Jeep Compass comes packaged with a long list of active safety technologies that make it a particularly safe little SUV.

Headlining the list is an autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, traffic sign detection and a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors.

Upgrading to Summit variants also adds an active driving assist feature that combines the lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control systems for easy highway cruising.

Does the Jeep Compass Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The Jeep Compass range technically has a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2017, though this rating doesn't extend to the e-Hybrid nor the plug-in hybrid 4xe.

This five-star safety rating is also set to expire in December, 2024.

For reference, Jeep Compass petrol and diesel variants secured a five-star ANCAP safety rating after scoring the following marks.

• Overall Score: 35.93 out of 37

• Frontal Offset: 14.93 out of 16

• Side Impact: 16 out of 16

• Pole score: 2 out of 2

• Whiplash Protection: Good

• Pedestrian Protection: Good

What Warranty Does the Jeep Compass Come With?

Jeep offers the Compass range with a five-year/100,000-kilometre factory warranty, as well as a lifetime of roadside assistance when you keep it serviced within the network.

The 4xe's high-voltage battery is backed by an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty.

The company offers five capped-price services for the Compass range, which totals $1,995 over the course of five visits to the service centre.

Our Verdict: Is the Jeep Compass e-Hybrid & 4xe Worth it?

While it certainly doesn't come cheap, Jeep has made some significant improvements to the Compass, namely fuel efficiency, which makes for a much more competitive offering in 2024.

Inside, the Jeep Compass remains one of the most spacious small SUVs on the market, while the option of a plug-in hybrid variant in the 4xe makes it even more suitable for city buyers looking for a slice of the Jeep life.

If you're looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you best possible price.

Five Jeep Compass Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/100,000-kilometre warranty

2. Eight-year/160,000-kilometre battery warranty for 4xe PHEV

3. 2.1 - 5.1L per 100km fuel economy figures (e-Hybrid vs 4xe)

4. 438L boot space

5. Lifetime roadside assistance