Medium-sized SUVs are where the money is for car manufacturers at the moment, and Jeep is hoping to stake its claim to the market with the new, third-generation Compass.
Based on the same Stellantis group underpinnings as the likes of the Vauxhall Grandland, Peugeot 3008, and Citroen C5 Aircross, the new Compass is launching with a choice of two powertrain options – a 145hp petrol mild hybrid, and a 213hp full EV. The latter comes with a 74kWh battery, which in future will be joined by a 97kWh version, offering a longer range. In addition, there will also be a plug-in hybrid, and a 375hp all-wheel drive EV, created via the fitment of a rear motor, that will also come with chassis changes designed to improve the model’s off-road driving ability. All that excitement is to come, but for now we’re trying the First Edition launch-spec version of the Compass, as a 213hp, 74kWh EV (First Edition is the only grade available initially; a fuller range will follow, including a distinct line-up for all-wheel drive models).
Performance and drive
Despite the promise of more powerful versions to come, the 213hp motor in the launch Compass doesn’t feel like a let-down – there’s plenty of power available for family SUV requirements. This being a Jeep, selectable drive modes include ‘Snow’ and ‘Sand/Mud’ options, which adjust powertrain, traction control and ADAS settings to suit rougher terrain – ‘Sand/Mud’ seemed fairly effective on some gravel tracks on our test route.
The brakes don’t suffer from the modulation issues we’ve come across in some other Stellantis EVs, and a wide selection of regenerative braking settings is available up to a level that allows full one-pedal driving.
The rest of the driving experience is OK for a family SUV – the Compass doesn’t roll much in bends, and the steering is accurate if uncommunicative. Ride quality is good, with the suspension coping well with some very uneven road surfaces on the aforementioned gravel tracks.
Interior and tech
Inside the Compass, the Jeep image is conveyed by the chunky feel of elements such as the door handles. Material quality is fairly good, although there are some scratchy plastics lower down and around the centre console.
A 16in infotainment screen is far wider than we’re used to seeing in Stellantis cars, with the part furthest from the driver effectively becoming a screen for the front passenger’s use, allowing them to control features like their massaging seat (when specced). Unfortunately, the screen itself is not particularly intuitive, and although there are some physical shortcut buttons for ventilation control, you still need to go into touchscreen menus for functions such as switching between automatic fan options.
The trim quality seems to reduce a bit in the rear of the cabin, and there are no USB charging ports back there either, although head and legroom is OK. At 550 litres the boot is a good size for the segment.
We’ll need to wait to see how the full range is priced, but the First Edition version of the Compass EV comes in cheaper on P11D than the top-spec versions of its Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen cousins, as well as alternatives such as the Kia EV5 and Skoda Elroq, with the only C-segment electric SUV to best it for value the (slightly smaller) MG S5. Combined with its solid all-round attributes, we expect this to broaden the new Compass’s appeal well beyond Jeep’s traditional off-roader fanbase.
Positive: Big screen, spacious boot, looks well priced
Negative: Infotainment could be easier to use, some lapses in trim quality
Standard equipment on First Edition: 20in alloy wheels, adaptive LED matrix headlights, roof rails, privacy glass, front fog lights, power-folding heated mirrors, heated seats, heated steering wheel, hands-free powered tailgate, 10in driver display, 16in infotainment touchscreen, sat-nav, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, lane positioning assist, automatic emergency braking.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 145hp 1.2; Electric: 213hp
Equipment grades: Altitude, First Edition, Summit
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, single-speed automatic
| Model | Jeep Compass First Edition 74kWh |
| P11D: | £39,135 |
| Residual value | 41.3% |
| Depreciation | £22,978 |
| Fuel | £3,685 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,857 |
| Cost per mile | 49.20p |
| Range | 310 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £20/£39 |
| Luggage capacity | 550 litres |
| Battery size/power | 74kWh/213hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
