[David S]

The PSA platforms AFAIK are front wheel drive only. It will need some re engineering to offer proper 4WD.

AWD can be had with the EMP2 hybrids. It could also be developed for EMP1/CMP. Small-Wide didn't start out with an AWD option, it was added later.

 

[BEEAH]

It's a back and fourth between manufactures that's been happening for many decades... WTBFD? Jeep will respond, then someone else will etc.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

It's a back and fourth between manufactures that's been happening for many decades... WTBFD? Jeep will respond, then someone else will etc.

Nobody defeated a Jeep off-road before.

So, this is a BFD

 

[Zagnut27]

Nobody defeated a Jeep off-road before.

So, this is a BFD

I remember reading an article in one of the car mags that compared KJ Liberty to XTerra and some others...XTerra had a better RTI from what I remember. Does that mean XTerra was better off road? Who knows, but Liberty did indeed have some shortcomings that were well documented. The start of a downhill slide I suppose.

 

[allparman]

The real start point for that slide was the first gen Compass and Patriot. KJ and KK did contribute to the dumbing down too.

 

[gforce2002]

Being the current lessee of an '18 Compass Trailhawk, I can confirm some of the issues that MT mentions. This drivetrain combination is simply terrible in the Compass with the 9spd making poor use of whatever power the 2.4 has. And they are spot on about the "Low Range", which is nothing of the sort. That makes a HUGE difference with using the Compass even on particularly rough roads where you want to crawl slowly. In this case, the power issue comes not from the engine, but the lack of any real torque multiplying low range. Even the Renegade Trailhawk, with it's specific lower ratio final drive gear is a bit better. (At least the one I had did.)

Other issues I've experienced with the Compass off pavement are the brakes, which are far too sensitive and grabby to control at low speeds (and made worse by the fact you have to ride them since there is no low range), and the suspension which, being softened for on road use, makes the vehicle wallow at the least hint of rough going.

The thing is, it would also not have made a good Chrysler. There are just too many shortcomings with that vehicle to make it competitive with many vehicles in the size class. It just feels under engineered in so many ways, like they just decided it was "good enough" and threw it out the door.

 

[Zagnut27]

Being the current lessee of an '18 Compass Trailhawk, I can confirm some of the issues that MT mentions. This drivetrain combination is simply terrible in the Compass with the 9spd making poor use of whatever power the 2.4 has. And they are spot on about the "Low Range", which is nothing of the sort. That makes a HUGE difference with using the Compass even on particularly rough roads where you want to crawl slowly. In this case, the power issue comes not from the engine, but the lack of any real torque multiplying low range. Even the Renegade Trailhawk, with it's specific lower ratio final drive gear is a bit better. (At least the one I had did.)

Other issues I've experienced with the Compass off pavement are the brakes, which are far too sensitive and grabby to control at low speeds (and made worse by the fact you have to ride them since there is no low range), and the suspension which, being softened for on road use, makes the vehicle wallow at the least hint of rough going.

The thing is, it would also not have made a good Chrysler. There are just too many shortcomings with that vehicle to make it competitive with many vehicles in the size class. It just feels under engineered in so many ways, like they just decided it was "good enough" and threw it out the door.

An answer given by some was that Compass is a cheaper vehicle, so you get what you pay for. I find fault with that, especially since they want to have Jeep command premium pricing. So if premium prices are expected, then do it right.

 

[Bob sheaves]

But yet Ford beat it on the first try. That’s what happens when you put a Jeep badge on something that shouldn’t have been a Jeep.

Pleasedo not minimize the efforts the ford guys put in

A LOTOF EFFORT AND MGT ARGUMENTS HAPPENNEF TO MAKE THE RESULTS YOU CAN FEEL.I NEVER THOUGHT ID SAY THIS BUT FORDDID LEAPFROG JEEP AND MY BELOVED SCOUT II. IT WASNT A MIRICLE BUT A LOT OF DEDICATED EFFPRTS TO BUOLD THIS BEST..( WHERE HAVE WE HSARD THAT BEFORE)!!!!

 

[Tomguy]

I feel like it's bizzaro world. I mean...
I've said for a while now, Chrysler should have the lower-trim, 2WD versions of every soft Jeep, and Jeep needs to focus on the luxury off-road segment. There should be no Jeep non-trail-rated vehicle. Chrysler Compass could have the economy with better aero fascias, lower ground clearance, 2WD with optional AWD (note the distinction), on-road suspension and comfort with no tuning for off-road (think Honda / Hyundai / Toyota / Nissan / Escape etc.) while all Compasses are at LEAST the current trail-rated model.

Now we're seeing what happens when Jeep is volume compact crossovers. The ONLY fix for this is either,
1) Admit Jeep is chasing volume,
2) Tuning Jeep offerings to be what it should have been.

Anything less will see Jeep sales volume tank if Jeep makes mistakes like having a "Laredo" trim Grand Wagoneer or new Grand Cherokee. Nobody wants a $60k version of a $30k SUV, they want a $50k SUV with everything on it, and $15-30k in options.
Yes, higher-end buyers would rather pay more for that exclusivity and that's the point! Laredo models, Chrysler. RWD performance only, Dodge. Jeep can keep doing SRT and Trackhawk without diluting the brand but it cannot have base model crossovers and hope to compete with Land Rover in any form at all.

 

[David S]

I feel like it's bizzaro world. I mean...
I've said for a while now, Chrysler should have the lower-trim, 2WD versions of every soft Jeep, and Jeep needs to focus on the luxury off-road segment. There should be no Jeep non-trail-rated vehicle. Chrysler Compass could have the economy with better aero fascias, lower ground clearance, 2WD with optional AWD (note the distinction), on-road suspension and comfort with no tuning for off-road (think Honda / Hyundai / Toyota / Nissan / Escape etc.) while all Compasses are at LEAST the current trail-rated model.

Now we're seeing what happens when Jeep is volume compact crossovers. The ONLY fix for this is either,
1) Admit Jeep is chasing volume,
2) Tuning Jeep offerings to be what it should have been.

Anything less will see Jeep sales volume tank if Jeep makes mistakes like having a "Laredo" trim Grand Wagoneer or new Grand Cherokee. Nobody wants a $60k version of a $30k SUV, they want a $50k SUV with everything on it, and $15-30k in options.
Yes, higher-end buyers would rather pay more for that exclusivity and that's the point! Laredo models, Chrysler. RWD performance only, Dodge. Jeep can keep doing SRT and Trackhawk without diluting the brand but it cannot have base model crossovers and hope to compete with Land Rover in any form at all.

Jeep isn't all about Land Rover. They need a cheaper Cherokee Trailhawk with the 2.0T to compete with this Bronco Sport. A base Jeep should be an off road tool with a wash out with a sponge interior, but it has to have AWD with a low enough first gear. It is fine for Land Rover to stop making that kind of vehicle, that is the heart of Jeep.

 

[HEMI345]

Pleasedo not minimize the efforts the ford guys put in

A LOTOF EFFORT AND MGT ARGUMENTS HAPPENNEF TO MAKE THE RESULTS YOU CAN FEEL.I NEVER THOUGHT ID SAY THIS BUT FORDDID LEAPFROG JEEP AND MY BELOVED SCOUT II. IT WASNT A MIRICLE BUT A LOT OF DEDICATED EFFPRTS TO BUOLD THIS BEST..( WHERE HAVE WE HSARD THAT BEFORE)!!!!

And they did very well. Actually, they engineer it very well.
I like how they configure the removable doors and roof. The doors have frameless windows, which makes them smaller. Also, they still have mirrors with the doors removed. Something Jeep could not figure out all these years.

but besides all of this - welcome back Bob. Please keep posting.

 

[CherokeeVision]

Anything less will see Jeep sales volume tank if Jeep makes mistakes like having a "Laredo" trim Grand Wagoneer or new Grand Cherokee. Nobody wants a $60k version of a $30k SUV, they want a $50k SUV with everything on it, and $15-30k in options.
Yes, higher-end buyers would rather pay more for that exclusivity and that's the point! Laredo models, Chrysler. RWD performance only, Dodge. Jeep can keep doing SRT and Trackhawk without diluting the brand but it cannot have base model crossovers and hope to compete with Land Rover in any form at all.

Or return Laredo trim back to what it was in 1989 when I bought my first XJ Cherokee. Laredo 4x4 with towing package and came with all terrain Michelin XC tires. Looked very nice and performed well. Only item it didn't have which I corrected when I ordered my 2001 XJ was the full time transfer case.

 

[Cajun300C]

My opinion is make the Cherokee look more like the Grand Cherokee. Take either the Compass or Renegade and change one to a Chrysler small SUV/CUV. Take the other, keep it Jeep, and make it RWD/AWD. That will make a nice line up for Jeep with the Grand Wagoneer being Top Dog followed by the Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass/Renegade Survivor. Chrysler then will have a small CUV in its line up..... just change the look to be more Chrysler. Keep it FWD/AWD and a 4 Cyl. Just put more than 180 hp in it so it can get out of its way.

 

[MIKE3187]

Smaller SUV market is an important size for global markets, I dont see Jeep dropping down their product offerings. If anything, I would expect them to increase their presence with more models.

 

[serpens]

Lockers, better tires, better water fording were all available in 2014. FCA decided to go cheap and make a watered-down Jeep.

FCA gave the competition an easy opening to win off-road and take Jeep's crown away.

People who thought "Jeep: There is Only One" are now thinking "There is another one"

People have always thought there was another one. The 4Runner has been a stalwart in the offroad scene and seen has a more reliable alternative to the Grand Cherokee.