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Jeep Compass - Review

 

The all-new Jeep Compass marks the brand’s second fully electric model, sitting above the Avenger and bringing a bit more muscle and off-road intent to Jeep’s EV lineup. This is the car designed to carry Jeep’s rugged reputation into the electric era. The flagship AWD model even gets a bespoke rear motor developed exclusively for Jeep, offering extra power and a more authentic off-road feel. Let’s take a closer look at what Jeep has built here.

Performance

At the top of the range sits the Compass 4xe AWD, the model aimed at drivers who want genuine off-road confidence without giving up the advantages of electric power. It produces a combined 375hp, with a rear-mounted 49kWh motor delivering 232Nm of torque. Thanks to an aggressive 14:1 reduction gear, Jeep says that torque can peak at a wild 3,100Nm at the wheels, helping the Compass climb gradients of up to 20% even when traction is limited at the front.

Realistically, most drivers won’t be tackling forest tracks every weekend, but Jeep has clearly worked hard to make the Compass feel like a proper Jeep. Engineers were given freedom to alter the standard STLA Medium platform to improve rough-road performance. Ground clearance reaches up to 200mm, it can wade through 470mm of water, and shorter front and rear overhangs help it tackle steeper ascents and descents than the average electric SUV.

Range and Charging

At launch, the Compass arrives with the familiar 73.6kWh lithium-ion NMC battery shared with the Peugeot E-3008 and Opel Grandland Electric. That gives a WLTP range of up to 650km. Figures that put the Compass right alongside the Tesla Model Y, but at a lower starting price.

Charging performance is strong too. DC fast charging peaks at 160kW, allowing a 20–80% top-up in around 30 minutes, even with the bigger battery. An optional 22kW AC charger is available for faster on-street or workplace charging, while a typical 7kW home wallbox will refill the battery overnight.

Design and Interior

Jeep has avoided leaning too heavily into retro design cues, but the Compass still looks every inch a Jeep. You get the classic seven-slot grille, chunky wheel arches, and upright proportions, all wrapped in a more modern, aerodynamic shape. Many of the exterior plastics are moulded with colour built in for added durability, and the 4xe variant wears more aggressive bumpers to enhance its off-road stance. Jeep has even repositioned the front radar unit to protect it from stray branches, stones, or off-road knocks.

Inside, the Compass feels fresh and purposefully designed. A 10-inch driver display sits directly in front of you, while a wide 16-inch touchscreen stretches across the centre of the dashboard. The infotainment system is new, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes smart route planning with charger integration. There are also haptic shortcut buttons beneath the main screen, unusual at first, but surprisingly handy once you get used to them.

Practicality is excellent for a car of this size. Boot space is up to 550 litres, with a huge underfloor compartment ideal for charging cables or muddy gear. The 40/20/40 split rear seats add flexibility for awkwardly shaped items. There’s no front storage (no frunk), but interior cubby space has been dramatically improved, total storage jumps to 34 litres thanks to redesigned compartments throughout the cabin.

Cost Considerations

Irish pricing for the electric Compass starts from €42,995, placing it squarely among rivals like the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, and Tesla Model Y. Standard equipment is generous, and Jeep clearly aims to offer strong value for those wanting something more adventurous than the typical family EV.

Verdict

If your driving regularly takes you beyond smooth city streets, whether that’s uneven country roads, gravel laneways, or the occasional off-road adventure, the new Compass offers a level of toughness that many electric SUVs simply don’t. Yet despite its rugged personality, it’s comfortable and easy to live with day to day. With strong range, serious capability, and a well-finished interior, the Compass proves Jeep can bring its heritage into the electric era without losing what makes the brand unique.

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