2011 Jeep Compass

Understandably, most of the attention at Jeep these days is focused on the impressive all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee. The rest of the lineup, though, hasn't been ignored, as each model has refined and changed for 2011. None of these U.S.-built Jeeps, however, is as dramatically upgraded as the 2011 Compass, which sports handsome new styling (good riddance to that clownish old front fascia!) and is now available for the first time as Trail Rated 4x4 model that's at home on snow-covered roads or crawling along a rocky creek bed in low range.

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.