Jeep Compass Facelift Launch By 2022; Will Be Electrified

Agencies Updated at: 06 Jun 2018 01:30 PM (IST)

The mid-life refreshed Jeep Compass will be available in both plug-in hybrid and battery electric versions

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which owns Jeep, laid out the group’s five-year business plan (2018-2022) in Balocco, Italy on 1 June 2018. Firstly, India holds an important position in FCA’s new plan, specifically for one of its most profitable brands, Jeep. Apart from confirming a sub-4m and a three-row SUV for the Indian market, Jeep has also shed some light on the facelift model of its current bread and butter model here, the Compass.

While info about the Jeep Compass facelift is scarce at this point in time, Jeep has confirmed that the updated midsize SUV will feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model and an all-electric version as well. In fact, Jeep’s entire portfolio, including the upcoming India-bound sub-4m SUV, will feature some sort of electrification by 2021.

The upcoming plug-in hybrid models of FCA could be inspired by the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (PHEV) minivan that features a 3.5-litre Atkinson-cycle V6. The Compass PHEV, however, is expected to be powered by a smaller four-cylinder engine. These electrified versions of the Compass are part of the 10 PHEVs and four EVs that Jeep has planned to put on the roads by 2022.

Since India is the production hub for the right-hand-drive Compass, there’s a possibility that the PHEV and EV will be assembled here at the Ranjangaon facility. And FCA might as well introduce these in the domestic market, especially the PHEV version, since in 2022, we expect stricter emission norms in the form of CAFE (corporate average fuel efficiency) to be implemented in India. It would require automakers to take strict measures to improve fleet efficiency and curb CO2 emissions. In such a scenario, we expect carmakers to have multiple mild- and fully hybrid products in their portfolio.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk: All You Need To Know

Besides the PHEV and EV versions, the updated Compass could also have a performance-oriented avatar. The go-fast version (maybe be the Compass SRT) could borrow the next-gen Wrangler’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 270PS and 400Nm and is mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Speaking of aesthetic changes, the Compass facelift might feature only minor changes to freshen things up since its design is appreciated by the majority of buyers. As is the case with facelifts, expect a few additional features on the updated Compass as well.