A Baby Grand Cherokee? The 2011 Jeep Compass.
It’s become conventional wisdom that Chrysler is sitting out the 2011 model-year, waiting until it can line up an assortment of new models with its Italian partner, Fiat.
While it’s true that some of the most significant launches, including all-new midsize and full-size sedans – many based on Fiat platforms – won’t debut until 2012 or ’13, it turns out the coming months will see a significant number of important updates from the various Chrysler brands. That includes a revised Dodge Durango and the new Chrysler 200 (Click Here for a review.)
Now add the redesigned 2011 Jeep Compass which, as they pictures illustrate, comes across as a Baby Grand Cherokee – the Jeep flagship which also went through a complete redesign for 2011.
While Jeep may be the benchmark for off-roadability it hasn’t done a great job of taking advantage of recent trends in the overlapping SUV and CUV markets. Compass, in particular, failed to live up to initial expectations, whether due to the prior generation’s stodgy styling or less than exemplary manners, on and off-road.
With the Freedom Package II the 2011 Jeep Compass lives up to the brand's Trail Rated standards.
We’ll have to wait for a first drive to see how the new version handles but the 2011 Jeep Compass is a definite improvement in the looks department, picking up a number of the new Grand Cherokee’s more appealing styling cues.
Despite the fact that Compass is crossover, rather than truck-based, Jeep is giving it the honored Trail Rated badge. Expect some serious off-road capabilities from the Freedom Drive II package, in particular. It offers such niceties as a low-range gearbox, skid plates, tow hooks, additional ground clearance and tall, off-road 17-inch tires.
As with other new Chrysler products, the 2011 Jeep Compass gets significant interior upgrades.
For those who’re more likely to navigate the wilds of the local mall, with an occasional foray onto snow-covered streets, their emphasis will likely be on fuel economy, and Jeep claims the 2011 Compass will come close to best-in-segment performance with up to 28 mpg – even with all-wheel-drive. In front-drive trim that jumps to 29 mpg.
Two powertrains will be offered, both a 158 hp, 141 lb-ft 2.0-liter I4, and a 2.4-liter inline-four making 172 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Buyers will get the choice of a 5-speed manual or CVT, and either front-drive or all-wheel-drive.
As with Chrysler’s other 2011 models, Jeep has put a premium on interior refinement, a place the maker has traditionally fallen short. It’s also offering an assortment of high-tech and creature comfort features, including the updated uConnect system, 9-speaker Boston Acoustic audio system and navigation system with Sirius Travel Link.