SPIED: Jeep Compass PHEV Caught On Public Roads:

Earlier this month, the Jeep® brand showed off it’s upcoming 2020 Jeep Compass and Renegade Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) lineup at the Geneva International Motor Show. Well, now our spy photographers have caught one of those vehicles testing on the roads of Metro Detroit. 

The Jeep Compass has proved to be a significant piece of Jeep’s global portfolio. The clear headlight turn signals, tell us that this particular tester is a European-spec model. Instead of being in its Trailhawk trim level like it was in Geneva, this prototype is in Limited trim. 

The new Compass PHEV is equipped with batteries that are rechargeable from an external power outlet and, as a consequence, can store more electric energy. This choice allows for the use of more powerful electric motors, which translate into a pure electric range of approximately 31 miles and about 81 mph full electric top speed.

The electric system works in synergy with the new 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the 2019 Jeep Renegade. With the power of the 1.3-liter internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor, the Compass PHEV will deliver a total of 240 horsepower. This should improve the performance of the Compass and Jeep is saying it should propel the Compass PHEV from 0-60 mph in about 7 seconds.

Using new electric all-wheel-drive technology (eAWD), traction to the rear axle is not provided by a prop shaft but instead through a dedicated electric motor. This allows the two axles to be separated and to control the torque independently in a more effective way than a mechanical system. The new eAWD and electrical system will be able to be monitored by a new instrument cluster and custom Uconnect pages, relaying instant information to the driver. We should see a very similar system on the upcoming Chrysler Pacifica AWD model, that is rumored to be coming in 2020.

Unlike most hybrid vehicles, the new Jeep hybrids won’t look drastically different than their non-hybrid counterparts. The unique packaging allows the Jeep Compass PHEV to maintain its rugged Jeep DNA looks while still providing Jeep’s capability. We should see the Compass PHEV launch sometime after it’s Renegade PHEV sibling, but we should see both here in the North American market sometime in late 2020.