Jeep has given the Compass compact crossover sport-utility vehicle a makeover so it now looks less like the Wrangler but more like the all-new Grand Cherokee.
The most obvious difference is in the front fascia as the restyled Compass gets a new hood, which now has a subtle power bulge; new front fenders; and new headlamps to go with the new grille that's detailed with a small dose of chrome surrounding the traditional seven slots found on all Jeep vehicles. The headlamps are now the quad reflector type while the fog lamps are now high output projector ones, improving the vehicle's forward lighting performance.
Though not as drastic as the front fascia, the Compass's rear was redesigned as well with a new body-color rear spoiler; new LED taillamps; and on the Limited model, bright trim on the step pad and a chrome exhaust tip. Literally topping off the changes to the redesigned Compass are a new set of roof rails.
The new Compass's interior also received an upgrade with soft-touch front door trim panels; a new center armrest; a new steering wheel with integrated controls for the radio, cruise control, mobile phone and other vehicle functions; new cloth interior with premium cloth bucket seats in the front; and new backlighting for the door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls.
Powertrain options for the Compass are either a 2.0-liter engine with an output of 158hp and 191Nm of torque or a 2.4-liter mill that produces 172hp and 224Nm of torque. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with the entry-level Compass while the more upscale variants get a second-generation CVT.
The Jeep Compass is available in three drivetrain configurations. Besides the standard front-wheel-drive system, the Compass is also offered with the Freedom Drive I full-time active four-wheel-drive system and the similar Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package with low-range capability.
"With the new 2011 Jeep Compass, we've applied the premium design cues of our award-winning new Grand Cherokee," said Mike Manley, president and chief executive of the Jeep Brand of Chrysler Group LLC. "Combined with new interior appointments, and refinements to the suspension and steering systems, Jeep Compass provides consumers the ultimate combination of styling, capability, fuel economy, efficiency, safety and value in the important compact-SUV segment."
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