The Compass simply looks like the child of a Liberty and a Grand Cherokee. From the front, it most resembles the Liberty, while the rear bears Grand Cherokee-style taillights. However, the side has creased fender bulges that recall the Dodge Dakota pickup. Is it possible the Dakota delivers the mail to the Jeep household? Just a thought....

In this sea of look-alike crossover vehicles, what distinguishes the Compass — or at least the Limited trim level — is aluminum-look trim on the exterior. It's anchored by a rear-bumper overlay that's debossed with the Compass name. A similar panel is on the front bumper, minus the name. The doors have matching moldings that dress up a deliberate accent groove.

Even on the Limited, the side mirrors and door handles are black rather than body-colored. The standard wheels are 17-inch aluminum; the Limited has 18-inch aluminum wheels, which are an option on the lower trim level. The Limited's also come in chrome.