2011 Jeep Compass

I hadn't driven a Jeep Compass in a couple of years, and back then I wasn't impressed -- it looked goofy and was loud inside, plus it had interior plastics and a continuously variable transmission that left much to be desired. What's more, it was a Jeep with no serious off-road credentials.

Now, though, after a day spent driving a new 2011 Compass with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the optional Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group, I'm pleased to report that the bulk of these issues have been addressed.

In styling, the new 2011 Compass represents a huge improvement, now looking much like the Grand Cherokee's little brother; in fact, the quad-reflector headlights are the same parts in both vehicles. A new hood, front fenders and front fascia, plus a seven-slot Jeep grille, give the compact five-seat 2011 Compass a more serious and refined look, and black lower body cladding does its part to make the vehicle look not nearly as tall as its predecessor.

And it drives like a different vehicle as well. On the icy and snowy roads near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the 2011 Jeep Compass impressed. It's very quiet inside, thanks to added sound-absorption materials in the rear wheel wells, the rear quarter panels and the C-pillars. The 172-hp four-cylinder engine is hard to hear at idle, making its presence known only during acceleration and passing maneuvers, where the mileage-enhancing CVT still exhibits a motorboat sensation in which engine rpm is seemingly unrelated to vehicle speed. On a positive note, the tuning of the Compass suspension (struts in front, multilink in back) is excellent, a bit firmer than before for added nimbleness and generally better control of ride motions, aided in part by a larger rear anti-roll bar.

Improvements continue inside, where high-quality soft-touch materials abound, and a stout new corporate steering wheel shared by other Jeeps gives the Compass a substantial feel. In addition to standard cruise control on all models, the interior features standard side-curtain airbags as well as back-lit switches for the door locks, windows and power mirror controls.

Perhaps most important, the Compass I drove was fitted with the new Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package, a $1,600 option that features a full-time active 4WD system with a special CVT2L that offers 19:1 low-range gearing. Also included as part of the package are a 1-inch-higher ride height, a new front fascia that allows for a 29.6-degree approach angle (stock is 20), skidplates, tow hooks, fog lamps, a full-size spare tire, a manual seat-height adjuster and 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with all-terrain tires.