Many of us have probably looked at the Compass and just scratched our heads and listened to the collective crickets chirp. Adding to the "Huh?" factor are the bizarre hip-hop bobble-head commercials. Not since Chris Rock made his debut as a wannabe gangsta in CB4 has a Jeep looked so out-of-place in the hip-hop scene.
Although DaimlerChrysler had high hopes for this mini trucklet when it debuted, from all accounts, it's not selling that hot, either. It seems that most people coming in to look at a Compass end up driving out in a Liberty. Though the Liberty had its detractors when it replaced the Cherokee, at least it has more "Trail-Rated" cred than the sissy Compass.
Anyway, it does appear there are some signs of life (and sanity) at Jeep headquarters once again. This time, in the form of the Trailhawk concept. According to the initial press release, the Trailhawk combines "the core features of the Jeep Wrangler with the sophistication of the Jeep Grand Cherokee." In essence, it's built off the new Wrangler's chassis, but adds a dash of class and sophistication from the Grand.
Although some hard-core purists are only satisfied with fold-flat windshields and removable doors, it seems this concept builds upon Jeep's collective strengths. The GC has always had a following as a capable yet relatively refined and luxurious vehicle, and the Wrangler has always been the standard-bearer of rugged, no-nonsense off-road capability. The Trailhawk combines the best of both worlds.
So the only question remains: When are you actually going to build it, and can the Compass?