CAUGHT: 2022 Jeep® Compass Sport Mild-Hybrid (mHEV):

In its continuing efforts to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles, Stellantis powertrain engineers (from the former FCA side) have been hard at work on developing new solutions for the existing powertrains. One of those solutions surrounds the company’s Global Small Engine (or GSE, marketed as FireFly).

In 2018, the Jeep® brand introduced the turbocharged 1.3-liter direct-injection inline-four-cylinder to its compact Renegade. The small-displacement engine delivered 177 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque to the compact SUV. After proving itself, under the hood of the Renegade and the Fiat 500X crossover the 1.3-liter became part of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain for the Renegade and Compass 4xe. This year, the 1.3-liter continues to be the prime engine choice for the updated version of the Compass.

Last year, we learned more about the updates to the GSE family thanks to the Unione Italiana Lavoratori Metalmeccanici (UILM), the Italian metalworkers union. In updated contracts, the UILM said that the Stellantis plant in Termoli would produce 1.0-liter and new 1.5-liter versions of its GSE engine family in both naturally aspirated and hybrid variants. It came almost a year after we first discussed the possibility of a new 1.5-liter engine.

Stellantis is working with the German supplier, Getrag to supply a 7-speed, wet dual-clutch, mild-hybrid transmission. According to sources close to MoparInsiders.com, the transmission could be an updated version of Getrag’s 7DCT300 transmission. This transmission is expected to have an integrated electric motor capable of 15 to 25 kW of power on a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with the possibility of running up to 80 mph on just electric power alone

One of the most impressive features of the current 7DCT300 transmission is its low weight of just under 200 lbs. This transmission also has small engines in mind, like the 1.5-liter GSE engine that we discussed back in October 2018.  That engine is expected to replace the 1.4-liter FIRE turbocharged engine in several FCA vehicles across the globe. The lightweight combination could offer more performance from FCA global small car portfolio.

Now, we are seeing the first proof of the existence of this new system, in a series of spy photos from our friends at GabetzSPYUnit. This entry-level Jeep Compass Sport may look like your typical Compass, however, looking with a keen eye you will see a unique window decal. The decal says, “Ibrida” which is Hybrid in Italian. Unlike the Compass 4xe, this model features only one fuel door on the passenger side like the standard gasoline model (4xe models feature one on both sides, one for electric charging and the other for gasoline).

The new Compass isn’t the only model to be getting to the new 1.5-liter option. The Renegade, 500X, Alfa Romeo Tonale, and upcoming Dodge Hornet, will all receive the new engine as an available option (standard on some models). The system should make its debut on the 2022 Jeep Renegade, before joining the 2022 Jeep Compass lineup late this year.

2022 Jeep® Compass Sport mHEV Image Gallery:

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UPDATE: The article has been updated to reflect an earlier MoparInsiders.com titled “FCA’s Future Transmission Lineup Could Be Spectular For Performance Brands” from July 2020.