A smaller entry-level Jeep model will be the firm’s smallest SUV yet and will arrive by 2025.
Jeep is reportedly considering a new baby SUV. Set to be smaller than the existing Jeep Renegade, the new model would be only available with electric powertrains – but, crucially, still with four-wheel drive. Our exclusive image suggests what the car’s styling might look like.
The 4×4 brand launched the enormous Jeep Grand Wagoneer in America as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, but future models will be smaller. Jeep design boss, Mark Allen, confirmed, “[The] Renegade is a B-segment car so there’s room below that and that’s something we’re looking at.”
Senior officials at Jeep have confirmed that the new car will be aimed at the European market but there is no word on Australia. The sale of small SUVs and crossovers has seen significant growth in the last few years.
When the as-yet-unnamed model arrives, it will be a tough-looking small SUV that is likely to borrow styling cues from the larger Wrangler, with angular, utilitarian styling. While Allen would give no further details on styling, he did add that “we always refer to the very first Jeep when we start a new project”.
Jeep has started to electrify its model range with the launch of the plug-in hybrid versions of the Renegade and Compass SUVs. Both cars feature a 1.3-litre petrol engine, electric motor and battery pack that offers up to 50km of pure-electric range. Meanwhile, an electric Jeep Wrangler is being planned, as part of an EV offensive that spans every sector Jeep competes in.
As Jeep is owned by the Stellantis group, it has access to the electric powertrain fitted in cars such as the Vauxhall Corsa-e, Peugeot e-208 and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. However, this may not be suitable for a Jeep as it would be unlikely to accommodate four-wheel drive. Instead, the baby Jeep will probably be held back until Stellantis’ STLA Small platform arrives in the middle of this decade.
A fully electric powertrain won’t just be greener than a petrol or diesel engine, but will also make Jeep models more capable off-road. The move from mechanical to ‘e’ all-wheel-drive is slated to be a massive improvement over a conventionally powered Jeep, with lots of torque from the electric motor allowing the car to easily crawl over rocks and obstacles.
Ben Custard