Jeep

Jeep has presented the new Compass 4xe, the 100% electric dual-motor version that brings all-wheel drive into the C segment of the American brand. It’s not just the addition of a second electric motor: the Compass 4xe introduces aesthetic and functional differences specifically designed for those who love excursions and off-road driving.

On our pages and on our YouTube channel, you can already find a review of the two-wheel drive electric Compass, where Jeep had anticipated the arrival of this 4x4 variant specifically developed for outdoor lovers. And that is precisely what we had the chance to drive on this occasion, tackling both paved roads and demanding off-road sections. You can see how it went in the dedicated video:

Design: More rugged, more capable

The dimensions remain the same as the two-wheel drive sister, with a length of 4.55 meters, but there are noticeable differences. The front bumper is diagonally cut to significantly improve the approach angles, and the ground clearance has increased by 10 mm, optimizing the departure and breakover angles at the rear.

At the front, the central part is no longer body-colored but made of a deliberately rough and textured protective material meant to withstand the typical impacts of dirt paths. The ADAS camera is also positioned higher for protection. The lighting signature remains unchanged, with Full LED Matrix headlights and the seven distinctive elements of the Jeep brand, now individually illuminated.

The tested model is the Overland variant, recognizable by its dedicated stickers. At the rear, the emergency tow hook stands out, now a hallmark of Jeep’s 4xe versions, also present on the Avenger 4xe.

An interior designed for the outdoors

The interiors have also been optimized for outdoor life. The dashboard layout remains similar to that of the two-wheel drive version, but we find a new color in the storage compartments and finishes, with rubberized material both on the edge and inside to prevent items from sliding during off-road driving.

The seats are another distinctive element: the central insert is made with a material that Jeep claims is much more resilient than the fabric traditionally used in the automotive sector, designed to be washable and resistant during excursions. At the bottom, rubber mats complete the set-up, being easy to clean and waterproof.

The main dashboard maintains the dual screen layout, in addition to dedicated air conditioning vents for both the driver and the passenger. The tested version also featured a panoramic sunroof with a motorized shade, adjustable in multiple opening positions.

There is generous space in the rear seats, thanks to the platform dedicated to electric vehicles, which eliminates the central rise: five adults can travel comfortably. An interesting detail is the plastic shield on the back of the front seats, useful for protecting them from contact with children or pets, in addition to adding various inserts for securing storage.

Engine and battery: the most powerful variant of the range

The Compass 4xe represents the most performance-oriented variant of the entire electric Compass range. The second motor, mounted on the rear axle, creates all-wheel drive without any mechanical connection to the front axle.

The combined power reaches 375 horsepower (280 kW), provided by 157 kW at the front and 132 kW at the rear, the latter capable of developing up to 3,100 Nm of torque thanks to a dedicated reducer.

The 96 kWh battery powers the system, guaranteeing a declared WLTP range of 606 km. In our test, with a charge around 95%, the onboard computer indicated an estimated range between 400 and 450 km, variable based on the selected driving mode (Normal, Sport, Snow, and Sand, the latter used specifically in off-road sections). Considering the declared consumption of around 20 kWh/100 km, a realistic value is around 400 km in moderately demanding conditions, with possibilities of exceeding 600 km in primarily urban contexts.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is covered in 4.9 seconds, a surprising figure for a car of these dimensions and mass. For fast charging, it takes only 27 minutes to go from 20% to 80%.

A particularly interesting technical element concerns the slip control management software: unlike the traditional system, which cuts power when the wheels begin to slip, the Compass 4xe uses a predictive approach. The onboard computer estimates the applicable torque ahead of the slip point, maintaining continuous control that allows for a slight controlled slippage without ever exceeding the grip limit. The torque distribution varies based on the mode: in Sand and Mud modes, for example, we found a perfect 50/50 distribution between the two axles.

Jeep Compass 4xe – Technical Data

• Length: 4.55 m
• Combined Power: 375 HP (280 kW)
• Front Motor Power: 157 kW
• Rear Motor Power: 132 kW
• Maximum Rear Torque: 3,100 Nm (with reducer)
• Battery: 96 kWh
• WLTP Range: up to 606 km
• Declared Consumption: ~20 kWh/100 km
• 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
• Fast Charging (20-80%): 27 minutes
• Ground Clearance: +10 mm compared to 2WD
• Approach Angle: 28°
• Breakover Angle: 17°
• Departure Angle: 31°
• Wading Depth: 480 mm

Off-road test

On asphalt, both in urban and extra-urban environments, the Compass 4xe does not particularly distinguish itself from the front-wheel drive version, except for the high power available: having almost 400 horsepower in an SUV of these dimensions is clearly felt during acceleration.

However, the real test was the off-road course, including dirt, mud, and some water crossings. Nothing extreme, but enough to assess the vehicle's real potential. Contrary to what one might think, the electric motorization proved particularly effective in this context: the total disconnection between the two axles guarantees optimal traction on the front or rear, while the high and immediate torque allows for precise modulation of drive. In the more challenging sections, a slight hint of acceleration was enough to let the car climb over obstacles without any jerks.

The off-road specifications are clear:

• Approach Angle: 28°
• Breakover Angle: 17°
• Departure Angle: 31°
• Wading Capacity: up to 480 mm.
  The rear reducer, with its 3,100 Nm, proved valuable even on slopes of up to 20% with almost no grip on the front axle. The underbody protections did their job in the most technical areas, absorbing some hits without any consequences.

The suspensions have also been retuned for the 4xe version: in addition to the higher ground clearance, Jeep claims a 15% reduction in vertical acceleration off-road and a 20% reduction in roll acceleration, benefiting overall stability.

Judgment and Prices

The new Jeep Compass 4xe is available for order across Europe with a starting price of around 54,000 euros, with all variants available on the online configurator (be mindful of launch promotions that can bring the price below 50,000 euros).

Thus, the all-wheel drive electric Compass manages to reconcile two souls: comfort for daily use and extreme capability when the situation demands it, confirming itself as one of the most complete offerings in the segment of all-wheel drive electric SUVs. In this test, we were convinced by everything, leaving only the judgment on consumption pending, which we will address when we have the chance to test it for several days.