The reliable source oh2o wrote that the 2011 Jeep Compass with Freedom Drive II will be Trail-Rated, the first time a Compass has achieved that designation. To accomplish this, the Compass moved the rebound springs to the same architecture as the Grand Cherokee, and raised the height by one inch for models with Freedom Drive II.

Numerous spy shots of the Compass show it with Jeep Grand Cherokee styling, which most critics have lauded as an immense improvement.

The lineup will also be simplified, with a better equipped base model, now including air conditioning, cruise, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and highway gas mileage of 29 mpg, still with a standard manual transmission. The new Latitude model adds an automatic (CVT) transmission and remote start; while the Limited includes the CVT, 18 inch aluminum wheels, automatic temperature control, bright exhaust tip, and bright accents in front and rear.

Freedom Drive II is new to the Compass and, like the all weather package, includes an "off-road front fascia."

The Compass will start at $19,995 in front wheel drive, and $21,695 in four wheel drive. Freedom Drive II is optional and not included in the four wheel drive package.