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Jeep has toughened up the new Compass 4xe, adding features that make it perfect for off-roading. It is the U.S. market that loves off-roading but Jeep didn’t release the new information here, the Compass 4xe was revealed in Turin, Italy, as a global vehicle, with no word on when the compact SUV will be available at dealers here. Tariffs are probably responsible for the hold up, because for now, the Compass will be built in Italy.
"For me, the New Jeep Compass 4xe isn't just a product I helped shape, it's a vehicle that supports how I live, balances performance with practicality, and keeps the spirit of adventure alive in everyday life" stated Daniele Calonaci, Head of Jeep® Design Europe. “I spend my days immersed in technical details and innovation, but it’s when I get behind the wheel in my personal life that I truly appreciate what we've built. Customers with young Children and pets, need a vehicle that can handle everything, from active daily life to weekend escapes in the outdoors. The Compass 4xe does that and more. Features like the Selec-Terrain system are especially useful when heading into the mountains and difficult terrain, something I enjoy doing regularly. The altitude indicator, always visible on board, is a detail I find both functional and inspiring”.
The New Compass 4xe is Designed for Off-Roading
In announcing the new Jeep Compass 4xe, Jeep says the new interior is “designed specifically for off-road use, with materials and solutions that prioritize durability, practicality, and comfort in all conditions.” The Compass 4xe comes standard with heavy-duty seat fabrics, specially designed scratch-resistant surfaces and the color scheme is designed to hide dirt and stains.
The seat fabric is coated in polyurethane, making it twice as resistant as conventional cloth and significantly easier to clean. The rear seatbacks feature an anti-scratch surface, a special nod to pet owners or people who travel with a lot of gear. The Compass 4xe also has with added storage for people who may need the extra room.
Jeep says the Compass 4xe is designed to perform its best in rugged conditions. It has a slightly raised suspension, about ½ an inch, which improves its ground clearance. The Compass 4xe has special off-road bumpers. Those changes improve the approach angle to 27 degrees, departure angle to 31 degrees and breakover angle to 16 degrees. Those improvements will make the 4xe more maneuverable on the trails or in any situation where there are obstacles or uneven terrain.
Compass 4xe Has Special Scratch Resistant Bumpers
The Compass 4xe has several features designed for off-roading. Perhaps the best innovation is a scratch-resistant bumper. The Compass 4xe has a modular black Jeep Bumper Shield with an anti-scratch texture for added durability. Hopefully, that bumper can be used on a number of Jeep models. It also has a matte anti-glare sticker on the hood to protect the driver’s vision under intense sunlight. The Compass 4xe comes with a rear tow hook to increase utility. The wheels have 19-inch rims and tires with a higher sidewall, optimized for slippery terrain. Jeep says the wheels will have better grip and durability.
Jeep Compass 4xe is Ready to Compete
The Jeep Compass was launched in the compact SUV segment in 2006. Jeep says it has sold 2.5 million vehicles worldwide. The new Compass 4xe is designed to be a real Jeep through and through. It carries Jeep’s ruggedness and off-road capability. It would be unfortunate if tariffs make the Compass 4xe too expensive to import here. The compact SUV category is highly competitive and pricing matters. The Compass will compete against the popular Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester.
The new Jeep Compass is built on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform. That means it can offer different types of powertrains including e-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the most popular plug-in hybrid in the U.S. The Compass 4xe has a lot of potential, if Jeep can keep it affordably priced in the U.S.
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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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