Jeep Compass gets a gritty makeover inside for its electric and hybrid future

The latest Jeep Compass, built on a flexible new platform that supports both hybrid and all-electric versions, is getting an interior that finally matches the brand's rugged reputation. While engineers tweaked the exterior for better off-road performance, the most significant changes are inside, where durability and practicality finally take center stage.

Jeep has carved a legacy out of building vehicles that promise adventure, and the Compass has been a global bestseller in the compact SUV market for years. Now, as the industry pivots toward electric cars, the newest generation of the Compass, built on Stellantis's advanced STLA Medium platform, is designed to appeal to its core audience in a new way. It acknowledges a simple truth: if you're going to build capable electric vehicles and hybrids, the inside should be just as ready for the wilderness as the outside.

The design philosophy is straightforward: create a cabin that can handle the mess that comes with actual off-roading. Forget plush carpets and delicate surfaces. Jeep's designers opted for materials that welcome dirt, mud, and the general chaos of an active lifestyle. This is no longer a vehicle for driving to the trailhead; it's designed to be a functional part of the adventure itself, and that starts with an interior that you don't have to be afraid to get dirty.

At the heart of the redesign are the seats. The fabric is coated in polyurethane, a decision that makes it twice as resistant to wear and tear as conventional cloth, and significantly easier to clean. Spills, mud from a hiking boot, or whatever your golden retriever brings in from the lake can be wiped away without a second thought.

The practicality extends to the back of the vehicle, where the rear seatbacks are now covered in an anti-scratch surface - a thoughtful touch for anyone who has ever cringed while loading sharp-edged gear or letting an excited pet jump into the cargo area. To complete the defense against the elements, heavy-duty rubber mats line the floor, ready to trap mud, gravel, and water.

The colors for the inside were chosen with a hint of cynical genius. The earthy tan wasn't selected just for its aesthetic appeal, but it was chosen because it's better at hiding dirt. To inject some personality and distinguish this purpose-built trim, the standard silver accents found in other Compass models have been swapped for bold red highlights, reinforcing the rugged character of the 4xe. This cabin is for people who use their SUVs, not just for those who want to look like they do.

Of course, this hardy interior is backed by mechanical upgrades that ensure the Compass can deliver on its visual promises. The 4xe version sits on a suspension raised by 0.39 inches, the bumpers have been redesigned to improve the vehicle's geometry for tackling steep obstacles, improving an approach angle to 27 degrees, a departure angle to 31 degrees, and a breakover angle to 16 degrees.

A modular, anti-scratch Bumper Shield adds another layer of protection, while a matte anti-glare sticker on the hood prevents sun reflections from blinding the driver on a bright day. It all rides on 19-inch rims wrapped in tires with a higher sidewall for better grip on slippery surfaces.

These improvements, together with Jeep's well-known Select-Terrain system that includes a dedicated off-road mode, make the new Compass a better player in the world of capable electric cars and hybrids. Whether you choose the plug-in hybrid 4xe or a fully electric model, the spirit of Jeep remains intact. No more dressing up, this is the real deal.

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