2011 Jeep Compass: First Look

• Competes with: Honda Element, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape 
• Looks like: A baby Grand Cherokee 
• Drivetrain: 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission; front- or four-wheel drive 
• Hits dealerships: December 2010 

If you thought Chrysler was done unveiling its 2011 lineup, the automaker still has a few surprises left, including the 2011 Jeep Compass, which looks more rugged and upscale.

The Compass’ redesign is a lot more thorough than we originally expected. It includes a completely new front and rear end. The front gets a new hood, front fenders, grille, fog lights, front air dam and quad reflector headlamp designs. Overall, the new sculpted look plays off the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is selling well. It’s a huge departure from the 2010 Compass, which looked too much like its Patriot cousin to catch on with buyers.

The rear of the Compass includes a standard spoiler, new bumper design and new LED taillamps. A protective composite material surrounds the bottom and protects it from debris during light off-roading or while on gravel roads.

Speaking of off-roading, the Compass, which was originally marketed as the street-friendly variant of the Patriot, upgrades its off-road credentials throughout. The retuned suspension is more rugged, and for the first time the Compass is available with Jeep’s Freedom Drive II, which includes a higher ride height, all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, a full-size spare and a full-time active four-wheel-drive system. The new system allows the Jeep to be “Trail Rated,” which means the crossover is capable enough in moderate off-road situations, including rock or log climbing.

The interior doesn’t change much. There’s a new steering wheel and better padded materials. Powertrains are unchanged, too. The standard 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder achieves 23/29 mpg city/highway with a five-speed manual transmission; a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder also gets 23/29 mpg with the same manual transmission.

The Compass is rated with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The Compass has more standard equipment than the Patriot, suggesting that the automaker’s strategy is to market the Compass as the more luxurious of the pair.

Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, power heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, cruise control and tinted glass. Except for the cruise control, all of those features are optional on the base Patriot. Options include 18-inch wheels, iPod interface, satellite radio, navigation, a sunroof and more.

The Compass hasn’t been priced yet, even though the model will go on sale in the coming weeks.