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Jeep sent its brand in a new direction in 2007, introducing two car-based SUVs, the Compass and Patriot. Of the two, the Compass has more of a crossover look, especially from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the wheels and more laid back lines. The rear door handles are vertical, mounted on the C-pillars to preserve the character line. (The Patriot, on the other hand, is more upright, looking like a smaller version of the Commander and a throwback to the old Cherokee. Jeep's other compact SUV, the Liberty, is redesigned for 2008. It looks similar to the Patriot, but is even more upright and masculine.)The liftgate on the Compass is sloped at nearly a 45-degree angle, while those of the Patriot and Liberty are vertical; and the third side window, into the cargo area, is a stylized triangle (leaving more sheetmetal and reducing visibility) while the others, again, are square. That slope at the rear of the Compass is matched by the steeply raked windshield, leading up to a roof that's slightly lower than that of the Patriot and almost five inches lower than the Liberty's. Black plastic roof rails continue from the top corners of the windshield all the way to the spoiler over the liftgate, channeling water over the roof. The Compass Limited has aluminum-looking trim on the sides and bumpers. The less-costly Sport looks classier in its cleaner monotone. The optional 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels on the Limited will appeal to those who want their Jeep SUV to look more like a Cadillac Escalade.
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