2017 Jeep Compass makes its North American debut today in Los Angeles/freep

2017 Jeep Compass makes its North American debut today in Los Angeles

2017 Jeep Compass makes its North American debut today in Los Angeles

FCA will begin building the Compass that will be sold in North America in January at its plant in Toluca, Mexico.2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk (Photo: FCA US)The next vehicle that Jeep is counting on as it climbs toward becoming an even larger global brand — the redesigned Jeep Compass — will be revealed today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.The new Compass leaves behind its old, boxy design that defined the brawnier Wrangler and Renegade, and takes on a look that reflects the more aerodynamic Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

2017 Jeep Compass Preview

2017 Jeep Compass Preview

Competes with: Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Nissan RogueLooks like: A Jeep Grand Cherokee had a "moment" with a CherokeeDrivetrain: One engine (a 2.4-liter four-cylinder), two four-wheel drive systems, three transmissions (six-speed manual and six-and nine-speed automatics)Hits dealerships: To be announcedCARS.COM — Jeep is taking its Compass in a new direction as a modern global product to be built in Brazil, China, Mexico and India and sold in more than 100 countries.The new Compass replaces the decade-old "Compatriot" twins, the Jeep Compass and Patriot SUVs that rolled out in 2006 on a platform developed by DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi, and are having a short 2017 model year.More 2016 LA Auto Show CoverageIn size, and likely in price, the new Compass slots in the Jeep SUV lineup between the almost mid-size Jeep Cherokee and new subcompact Jeep Renegade.