Launched in 2006 alongside the Patriot, the Compass was Jeep's smallest modern crossover until the Renegade was launched in 2014. Come 2016, and the Compass received a much-deserved redesign that brings it into the 21st century design- and technology-wise. The crossover was initially unveiled in September 2016 in Brazil, but it has now made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Criticized for not looking like a true Jeep and lacking the off-road capability of other vehicles from the brand, the Compass was overhauled into a crossover that appears to fit much better in the brand's current lineup. Not surprisingly, it looks a lot like a shrunken Grand Cherokee, but that's a good thing. Let's face it, the SUV's aggressive front fascia looks pretty hot and works well with the Compass' narrower, yet still imposing front view. Around back, it has a more Fiat-inspired, European stance that reminds me of the Cherokee, but it's a massive improvement compared to the dull rear end of the first-generation model.

For the first time, the Compass gets a Trailhawk model, which comes with unique fascias, a revised suspension, Hill Descent Control and Rock Mode with the Selec-Terrain system, which, and a 20:1 crawl ratio. Sweet!

Inside, there a pretty simple looking dashboard that feels modern and more upscale than the outgoing model. Jeep offers three center LCD screen sizes, starting with a five-inch unit for the base model. The seven- and 8.4-inch touchscreens are optional. The same goes for the instrument cluster, with a standard 3.5-inch display and an optional seven-inch unit. Jeep also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two apps that are mandatory for any automaker that wants to stay relevant.

In the U.S., the new Compass will get its juice from the familiar 2.4-liter "Tigershark" four-cylinder engine. The mill is rated at 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, an eight-horsepower and 10-pound-foot update. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual with either two- or four-wheel-drive, a six-speed automatic for FWD versions, and a nine-speed auto for all-wheel-drive models only.

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Why it matters

The Compass was in dire need of a redesign and I'm actually surprised it took Jeep some ten years to replace the first-generation model. The good news is that it was worth waiting all this time. The new Compass comes with improvements in just about any department and the new features should make it one of the best vehicles in its class. The new Trailhawk model is also a great addition to the lineup that will enable the Compass to live up to its full potential on the unbeaten path.

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