Only the most powerful 2024 Jeep Compass 4xe for Australia

The 2024 Jeep Compass 4xe has been approved for sale in Australia, with our market primed to receive the more powerful 176kW version of the plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) – and not the lesser 140kW version.

The revelation was made via federal homologation documents seen by carsales and comes in the wake of Jeep Australia’s announcement last August that it was moving to a hybrid-only line-up – that is, mild-hybrid and PHEV – for its Compass small SUV.

There’s no sign yet of the mild-hybrid in the federal database, but it should only be a matter of time before the e-Hybrid, as it’s known, will be approved for sale here too.

The e-Hybrid is sure to be more affordable than the 4xe, making it the volume seller in the revamped Compass range.

As seen in other markets, the 4xe plug-in hybrid system is based around a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 133kW/270Nm engine is supported by a 44kW/250Nm electric motor and a 11.4kWh lithium-ion battery, which combine to offer up to 48km of EV-only driving range and WLTP-verified fuel consumption of 1.3L/100km.

The e-motor’s positioning on the rear axle means the Compass 4xe can operate in either all- or rear-wheel drive depending on the drive mode selected, with the motor primed to deliver newfound control and finesse in low-speed scenarios – especially off-road.

European versions have five different drive modes to help the PHEV go as far off-road as possible, and include ‘4WD Lock’ and ‘4WD Low’ settings.

It’s not clear whether the Compass 4xe range will launch first, leaving the e-Hybrid variants to follow.

The non-plug-in mild-hybrid system is based around a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (97kW/240Nm), supported by a 15kW/55Nm electric motor.

Jeep claims it improves fuel economy by 15 per cent over the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine offered overseas.

Both hybrid systems are significantly more frugal than the soon-to-be-axed 2.4-litre ‘Tigershark’ four-cylinder petrol engine that’s served in most Compass models, with the only major exception being the diesel-powered Trailhawk off-road flagship.

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