Jeep had an electrifying presence at CES as it introduced plug-in hybrid versions of the Compass, Renegade and Wrangler. The automaker wasn’t ready to talk specifics, but the models have a familiar design. However, they appear to blue accents to help distinguish them from their less eco-friendly counterparts.
The styling changes don’t end there, as all three models will feature 4xe badging. Of course, the vehicles are also equipped with charging ports that can be found on the rear driver’s side fender on the Compass and Renegade. The Wrangler mixes things up a bit as its charging port is located below the left A-pillar.
The company declined to release performance specifications, but it’s possible the Wrangler will use a setup similar to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which has a 3.6-liter V6 engine, two electric motors and a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This gives the model a combined output of 260 hp and an electric-only range of up to 32 miles.
The Compass and Renegade plug-in hybrids will likely echo their European counterparts which were introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Equipped with a turbocharged 1.3-liter petrol engine and an electric motor, the models develop up to 237 hp and can travel for 50 km on electricity alone.
We’ll learn more about the plug-in hybrids later this year, as Jeep will provide additional information at the Geneva, New York and Beijing auto shows. Regardless of their specifications, Jeep said the vehicles are the first step in their plan to offer electrification options on all models by 2022. The company also said the plug-in hybrids will be more capable and more fun to drive, thanks to their “greater torque and immediate engine response.”
