Suffice it to say it is not trail-rated to the same level as other Jeeps. No, this Jeep is meant to tackle the likes of Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V on suburban roads rather than the boulders and creeks of the untamed wilderness. Despite the hallmark seven-slot grille and trapezoidal fender flares, Compass’s styling is more mainstream than any other Jeep’s. A roofline that’s 4.5 inches higher than the Caliber’s helps to separate the two visually. The added height also allows the front seats to be two inches higher than in the Dodge. And behind the wheel, it’s clear that this is a very different Jeep. The ride is quiet and smooth, the steering direct. The Compass’s passenger-car roots are obvious.

Unfortunately, the new 2.4-liter Four’s 172 hp is only adequate for the task. While a five-speed manual is standard equipment, like most crossover shoppers, buyers will likely opt for the CVT which, despite computer-set “gears” to emulate a six-speed automatic, exacerbates the Compass’s lethargic acceleration.