There are a number of significant changes to the Grand Cherokee’s little sidekick for 2011, the most notable of which enabled the economical Jeep Compass to earn its “Trail Rated” badge.
New styling mimics Grand Cherokee
From the nose, the 2011 Compass looks remarkably similar to the Grand Cherokee, and that’s no accident. The Grand Cherokee was smartly restyled for 2010, and the outcome has been highly praised; cashing in on that success only makes sense.
New front fenders, along with a new hood, fascia and headlights, frame the traditional seven-slot Jeep grille, giving the 2011 Compass far more of a visual Jeep identity. I like what I see up front, but must admit to feeling less than enthused about the remainder of the vehicle.
Inoffensive for sure, but certainly not inspiring, is the way I view the Compass from its windscreen rearward.
Climbing into the cabin of the 2011 Compass generates a much greater sense of “welcome” than last year’s somewhat rudimentary environs did.
This year finds a wider use of soft-touch materials and improved aesthetics within the Compass, where a beefier Jeep steering wheel has replaced last year’s low-rent version. Overall, the cabin is exceptionally functional and logically organized.
The front seats provide plenty of head and legroom and are reasonably supportive. Passengers relegated to second class will find the rear seat quarters to be less accommodating, and long-legged sorts may complain of compromised space for their extremities.
In addition to potential legroom shortages, the rear seat itself could use additional cushioning and bolstering to eliminate its flat-slab surfaces. Dropping the rear seatback to enhance cargo space simply requires a tug on a strap. There’s no need to remove head restraints or pull multiple levers to accomplish the task.
New styling mimics Grand Cherokee
From the nose, the 2011 Compass looks remarkably similar to the Grand Cherokee, and that’s no accident. The Grand Cherokee was smartly restyled for 2010, and the outcome has been highly praised; cashing in on that success only makes sense.
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| My Trail Rated tester, which was loaded by Compass standards, held a tag of $28,765. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
New front fenders, along with a new hood, fascia and headlights, frame the traditional seven-slot Jeep grille, giving the 2011 Compass far more of a visual Jeep identity. I like what I see up front, but must admit to feeling less than enthused about the remainder of the vehicle.
Inoffensive for sure, but certainly not inspiring, is the way I view the Compass from its windscreen rearward.
Climbing into the cabin of the 2011 Compass generates a much greater sense of “welcome” than last year’s somewhat rudimentary environs did.
This year finds a wider use of soft-touch materials and improved aesthetics within the Compass, where a beefier Jeep steering wheel has replaced last year’s low-rent version. Overall, the cabin is exceptionally functional and logically organized.
The front seats provide plenty of head and legroom and are reasonably supportive. Passengers relegated to second class will find the rear seat quarters to be less accommodating, and long-legged sorts may complain of compromised space for their extremities.
In addition to potential legroom shortages, the rear seat itself could use additional cushioning and bolstering to eliminate its flat-slab surfaces. Dropping the rear seatback to enhance cargo space simply requires a tug on a strap. There’s no need to remove head restraints or pull multiple levers to accomplish the task.
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| Climbing into the cabin of the 2011 Compass generates a much greater sense of “welcome” than last year’s somewhat rudimentary environs did. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |