Jeep Compass

One of the more popular Jeep SUV models worldwide is the Compass. Jeep says that more than 40 percent of its sales in Europe come from Compass models, and one in four of those is the plug-in hybrid version.

Jeep is celebrating 80 years of its brand and is doing so with a special 80th Anniversary model for each vehicle in its lineup. The Renegade, Wrangler, Gladiator, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee all are getting the 80th Anniversary treatment.

I usually wouldn’t review a vehicle for a past model year, but I’m making an exception here since I didn’t get a chance to live with the Jeep Compass until the final days of 2017, and the 2018 model is basically identical.

Jeep has had two SUVs in the mid-size space for a while now – the Liberty and the Compass. Going forward, the Compass replaces both vehicles, eliminating conflict for buyers torn between these two models. I spent a little time getting to know the new 2017 up close and personal, and while I’ve yet to drive one, it sure looks good.

Frankly, the current Jeep Compass is one of those cars you end up with when a desperate situation arises and you just need a car. Jeep hopes to change that perception with an all-new model of the Compass.