Jeep Compass hybrids confirmed for Australia in 2024, petrol and diesel axed

The Australian division of US car-maker Jeep has announced its plans to launch two hybrid versions of the Compass small SUV in local showrooms next year – while the existing petrol and turbo-diesel engines will be discontinued.

In a media statement, Jeep said it intends to bring the Compass e-Hybrid and Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to Australia in the first half of 2024 (January to June inclusive).

The introduction of the Compass hybrids will result in the small SUV’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol and 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines being phased out, with the line-up eventually consisting only of electrified grades.

While the existing Australian-delivered Jeep Compass petrol and turbo-diesel are produced in India, the Compass 4xe is exclusively built in Italy.

Overseas, the Jeep Compass e-Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine – developing 97kW/240Nm on its own – and a 15kW/55Nm electric motor, which drive the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Jeep’s plug-in hybrid Compass 4xe uses a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – available with 96kW or 132kW and 270Nm overseas – to drive its front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, while the rear axle is powered by a 44kW/250Nm electric motor.

While the Compass e-Hybrid’s electrified system is only designed to work at low speeds – delivering fuel economy savings in city driving and allowing the engine to shut off while parking – the Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid can drive at up to 130km/h in its electric-only mode.