cuv - Compact
got the Compass and Patriot. They truly are not Jeep’s by true off road standards, but they still wear the badge. Now that Fiat has gotten their hands on these two models it seems that maybe they will finally become true Jeeps. Of course to do that you would have to make them a bit more rugged. Well how do you make the Compass, a vehicle whose design was chosen by women, more appealing to the true Jeep fan. You add in features from other great Jeep models. So for 2014 Jeep has given the Compass a makeover. And it seems that this time around they almost go it right. With features borrowed from the 2013 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT-8, it seems that these changes may be enough to save the little CUV from becoming a lost Jeep. Up front you may notice that the hood and headlights come straight from the Grand Cherokee. This adds more of a suburban appeal to the front and creates a more sporty appeal with what looks like a cowl hood. Now all they have to do is add in some top side exhaust ports to the hood and Jeep with have a true power CUV. At the end of the hood comes the signature Jeep grille which this time is using a galvanized steel for each duct rather than stainless or chrome. This is kind of takes away from being a production vehicle and makes it seem more like a cheap aftermarket add on. One of the worst things that have been done to the front is the overuse of cheap plastic for the bumper. This may make it easier and cheaper to fix, but it makes the Compass look really cheap. Maybe next time they will try to break the plastic with a steel skid plate in the centre. The only other downfall to this front is that the fog lights seem to be floating in outer space. Jeep should have either made them bigger or brought them down about an inch. Out back, Jeep has forgotten about everything. With no major change done, it is hard to say that this is an all new Jeep Compass. Maybe Jeep could have done away with the rear box light and gone with two circular tail lights. Put them on top of each other and you have the makings of something different. And we all know that different can be good; of course it can also be wrong. Now add in the fact that this is already one of the most boring rear ends, and you have the makings of lost points. When you don’t change enough or anything at all, you lose points at AutoLooks. Maybe next time Jeep will think about working on the entire design, not just the front. Jeep has kept the oversized wheel wells which make this a rugged looking CUV. But they have also added in a new style of wheels. These new wheels add more flare and sport appeal to the overall look of the Compass and could set it apart from other CUV’s. Now if they could have only added in some more chrome and done away with the double chin side skirts, the Compass would have had a near perfect side. With a new face and some minor changes elsewhere it seems that Jeep and Fiat are set on making Jeep the face of all SUV / CUV’s out there. Of course when you are the original SUV company, it may seem odd that you have to make drastic changes to ensure you are the standard in your market. Now if they could only do a full size SUV right, then Jeep will be set with a complete line-up of SUV / CUV’s. Everett J. @AutoLooks, #AutoLooks See more models from jeepOverall Grade = C+Front End: C+ Good: Great looking cowl hood that adds more sport appeal Bad: Cheap looking plastic and high fog lights Rear End: C- Good: Space for any license plate and a decent spoiler Bad: Giant rear bumper that needs to be pushed in Side: B- Good: Right size wheel wells and awesome rims Bad: A lack of chrome accents and cheap plastic Overall Appeal: B- Good: A more rugged looking CUV than others in the crowd Bad: Still looks like it might tip
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