Rivervale's video: Jeep Compass 4xe Review - Is this Plug-In Hybrid truly iconic

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A JEEP COMPASS 4XE FROM OSV: bit.ly/36WsVlj The Compass 4xe sees Jeep, at last, bring plug-in hybrid tech to compete with established rivals in the mainstream mid-sized SUV segment. This isn't the kind of Jeep you'd have ever pictured yourself owning. But might the Compass 4xe be one you could credibly consider? TIMESTAMPS 00:00​​​​ Introduction 00:31 Background 01:37 Driving Experience 03:28 Design & Build 05:18 Market & Model Range 06:57 Cost of Ownership 08:08 Summary Background In the last few years, we've had to get increasingly used to the idea of a Jeep you've the option of plug-in. Not one as a total EV (though that can't be far off) but various models featuring the brand's '4xe' plug-in hybrid tech. We first saw it with the little Renegade, following which '4xe' versions of the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee and, as here, the mid-sized Compass have been launched. The Compass gains the PHEV tech as part of a package of wide-ranging updates made to this 'MP/552'-series model, a car just first launched in 2018. That design couldn't have justified this 4xe variant's quite exalted price point in its original form. But with a smarter look and a much-improved interior with considerably enhanced media connectivity, it stands more chance against a tough crop of better-established volume brand plug-in hybrid rivals. Driving Experience You may have read elsewhere that the Compass 4xe has the same PHEV powertrain as the smaller Renegade 4xe. Well, yes and no. With most plug-in Renegades, the four-cylinder 1.3-litre petrol engine this powerplant works with is of the lower-output 130bhp variety, with a total output of 187bhp. Only the top rarely-chosen Renegade Trailhawk 4xe features this PHEV powerplant mated to that 1.3-litre engine in 178bhp form (total output 237bhp), which is the powerplant combination that features with both Compass 4xe variants. Either way, this set-up features an engine allied to an electric motor on the rear axle, creating a four-wheel-drive model with a 6-speed auto gearbox When fully charged, you can expect up to 30 miles of electric-only driving range when the 11.4kWh battery is fully charged. This PHEV variant offers the usual choice of driving modes that you'd expect with a car of this kind, in this case, either electric-only, Hybrid or one that enables you to save charge for future use in city driving. As you'd expect from the output figure quoted earlier, 4xe performance is quite sprightly: despite this electrified version's extra kerb weight, it'll hit 62mph in 7.5 seconds. And if you want to attempt any kind of off-road traversing in a model of this sort, this Compass 4xe would by far be the best choice thanks to its better traction and body clearance from the ground. Design and Build Apart from the badge work, there's no external clue here that this Compass is of the PHEV rather than the conventional non-electrified variety. This second-generation 'MP/552'-series Compass design has been given a darned good recent wash and brush to justify the premium pricing here. There's the usual 7-slot front grille, but flanking it are bolder headlamps now featuring full-LED technology. You can have a contrasting colour roof if you want, the taillights are now also of the LED kind and the trademark trapezoidal arches can house Iarge wheels of up to 19-inches in size, allowing you to make the appropriate statement in the gym car park. What's more significant though, are the changes that have taken place inside, where the cabin gains a new 10.1-inch 'Uconnect' infotainment central screen that works up to five times faster than the previous display and incorporates Alexa integration, automatic over-the-air updates and "Hey Jeep"-activated voice functionality. This monitor also incorporates 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone mirroring wireless technology so that you can connect and access two smartphones at the same time without having to connect a cable **CAR REVIEW PLAYLISTS** ► New Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3myaZiV ► Behind the Wheel: https://bit.ly/35JuUo7 ► Highlight Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/35N1Wnx ► SUV & 4X4 Reviews: https://bit.ly/37Verjt ► Electric Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/2TAqjPK ► Family Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3myLaiy ► Short Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/2HHlJMS ► Hatchback Reviews: https://bit.ly/3mKNAen ► Saloon Reviews: https://bit.ly/37QrbrD ► City Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3jDzBVI ► Estate Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3kDflog ► Sports Car and Coupe Reviews: https://bit.ly/2TwkzXb ► MPV Reviews: https://bit.ly/3e7114S ► Van Reviews: https://bit.ly/31QWcb4 ► Business Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3kGZncN **FOLLOW OSV ON** ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OSVLtd/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/osvmotoringnews ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osvltd/