Jeep reveals plug-in Renegade and Compass

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Jeep has launched its first plug-in models, the Renegade and Compass 4xe.

The electrified Jeeps was first revealed back in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, one of three green models shown.

The company calls the three vehicles, comprising Renegade, Wrangler and Compass, a first step in its plans to provide electrification options for all Jeep models by 2022. All will wear the ‘4xe’ badge to signal the plug-in powertrain.

The plug-in Jeeps are here – well, not HERE but they’ve been revealed in full.

Visually, the 4xe is almost identical to its combustion-powered sibling, save for badging and extra blue accents. Changes under the skin include the electric motor paired with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that provides between 140 to 180kW (depending on spec) with acceleration of 0 to 100kmh in about seven seconds, the company said.

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Despite the extra electrical bits, the 4xe Renegade can still hold its own when it comes to going off the beaten path.

* Jeep to show electrified Wrangler, Compass and Renegade at CES 2020

* Sunday Drive: Toyota RAV4 and Jeep Compass

Unfortunately, the plug-in Jeeps will be forbidden fruit for Kiwis. For now, at least.

* Jeep's Compass Trailhawk is likeable, but flawed

* Jeep Compass goes slightly off the path already taken

Jeep as mounted the electric motor on the rear axle to allow all-wheel drive without a mechanical link between the axles. That should trim some of the weight added by the 11.4kWh battery pack and retain Jeep’s famous off-road chops. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option.

An updated Selec-Terrain rotary control with eAWD modes (4WD Lock, 4WD Low, Hill Descent Control) engages the different driving modes, including Auto, Snow, Mud & Sand, Rock and, new for the 4xe, Sport.

Electric-only range is a claimed 50km, which is plenty for daily driving. Jeep says the battery will be fully charged in a clean hundred minutes using a 7.5kW wallbox. The smaller battery also means boot space isn’t affected much.

'… the small size of the charging module placed in the boot and the arrangement of the electric motor under the floor means that the boot capacity is practically the same as the conventional engine version (330 litres for Renegade and 420 litres for Compass - in the configuration with seats in upright position).

“At the same time, the dual function of the boot with a raised loading surface at the top and maximised loading capacity at the bottom was maintained. The layout means that a spare wheel can be housed under the boot on the 4xe versions of both models.'

Unfortunately, it looks like New Zealand is set to miss out on the electrified Jeeps for the moment. Jeep New Zealand told Stuff that there aren’t any plans to offer the Renegade or Compass 4xe. Same goes for the Wrangler 4xe.