Jeep introduces petrol-electric rival for Toyota Corolla Cross: Hybrid-only 2024 Jeep Compass priced for Australia as plugless Avenger small SUV revealed in Europe

Following the launch of its 4xe (‘four-by-ee’) powertrain in the Grand Cherokee, Jeep has confirmed hybrid versions of its Toyota RAV4 rival, the Compass, for Australian sale. 

Moving ahead of Toyota, Jeep will only offer hybrid Compass variants from 2024, with the old ‘Tigershark’ 2.4-litre petrol engine dropped entirely and no more off-road focused Trailhawk variant. Pricing is from $45,990 to $69,990 before on-road costs.

In Europe, the American brand also unveiled a new hybrid version of its electric small SUV, the Avenger.

Jeep’s 48-volt ‘mild’ hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with a 15kW/55Nm electric motor and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Peak outputs are 96kW at 5250rpm and 240Nm at 1560rpm sent to the front wheels, while combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.1L/100km. 

There’s enough grunt from the electric motor to propel the Compass e-Hybrid to 15km/h on electric power only, according to Jeep, making it punchier than a Mazda CX-30 G20e M Hybrid but not as capable as a Honda ZR-V’s powertrain. 

For more serious electrification – and a very steep $16,000 premium – Jeep now offers the 4xe plug-in hybrid on the Compass medium SUV. Its smaller 1.3-litre engine is turbocharged and allied with a rear axle-mounted electric motor for 176kW and 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. 

The combustion engine drives the front wheels and electric motor the rear. It can travel 47km on its electric motor in WLTP protocol and achieves 2.1L/100km in the combined economy run. The 11.4kWh battery can only be charged at AC outlets at up to 7.4kW.

With all-wheel drive, it gets more drive settings including 4WD Lock, 4WD Low and Hill Descent Control joining traditional Auto, Snow, Mud & Sand, Rock and Sport drive modes.

Both powertrains are available in two trims. The entry-level Limited is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, keyless entry, wireless charging, cloth and artificial leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, LED headlights and dual-zone climate control.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, 360-camera and auto parking. 

The flagship Summit scores a dual pane sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented seats with ventilation and power adjust for front passengers, active driving assist, navigation, hands-free power tailgate, black exterior trim and LED fog lights. 

It marks a $9000 premium on the e-Hybrid powertrain and smaller $8K upcharge in 4xe guise.

Despite Jeep's press release describing the MY24 Compass as "all new" there are no changes beyond powertrain and specification to Jeep’s Nissan Qashqai and Corolla Cross-rivalling SUV. The second-gen Compass was lightly refreshed in 2021 after launching in 2017. 

As for the just-revealed Avenger hybrid, it’s a small SUV that uses a similar powertrain set up to the 4xe plug-in hybrid (combustion front and electric rear drive) but with smaller battery and petrol engine. 

The result is 100kW worth of grunt sent to all four wheels. CarsGuide has contacted Stellantis to confirm if there are any Australian plans for the new model.

Given Jeep’s renewed focus on electrified powertrains locally (and our love of hybrids), the Avenger 4xe hybrid could make a great addition to the market.

2024 Jeep Compass hybrid pricing

All prices are before on-road costs.

Limited e-Hybrid	$45,990
Summit e-Hybrid	$54,990
Limited 4xe PHEV	$61,990
Summit 4xe PHEV	$69,990