Many won't be able to tell the Compass from a Liberty because the styling is so similar, especially in front with the classic Jeep grille having seven vertical slots, but the differences are clear. The Compass looks more like a crossover SUV, especially from the sculpted side, with smoothly angular flares over the wheels, as opposed to the plastic cladding on most Liberty models. The rear door handles are vertical, mounted on the C-pillars to preserve the character line.

The liftgate on the Compass is sloped at nearly a 45-degree angle while the Liberty's is vertical; and the third side window, into the cargo area, is a stylized triangle (leaving more sheetmetal and reducing visibility) while the Liberty's window is, again, squared.

That slope at the rear of the Compass is matched by the steeply raked windshield, leading up to a roof that's six inches lower than the Liberty's. Black plastic roofrails continue from the top corners of the windshield all the way to the spoiler over the liftgate, channeling water over the roof.

The Compass is one inch closer to the ground than the Liberty. The more car-like styling and relative sleekness make the Compass look longer than the Liberty, but it's actually one inch shorter.

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.