Although only a small percentage of SUV owners actually go off-road, knowing they can negotiate rugged terrain adds to the cachet of owning an SUV. The trick was to build a capable crossover that didn’t compromise the Jeep brand, resulting in Chrysler having the automotive equivalent of the “New Coke” on its hands.

Chrysler also needed a new vehicle on which to base a car-like Jeep. Instead of spending a fortune developing an all-new vehicle, it tapped its Dodge division and utilized the platform from the successful compact Dodge Caliber crossover that went on sale earlier this year. Both vehicles are built in the same Belvidere, Ill., plant that made the discontinued Dodge Neon.

Walkaround: The stylish Compass is a 4-door hatchback, and notably, the first Jeep not “Trail-Rated.” It’s also the first front-wheel drive Jeep with a fully independent suspension from which it derives its car-like ride and handling. The Compass boasts enough Jeep styling cues to avoid confusion with the myriad of other SUVs out there — including Jeep’s signature 7-slot grille, round headlights, and trapezoidal wheel openings housing 17-inch tires. But its new silhouette featuring a steeply raked windshield, gives it a sleeker appearance than previous Jeeps. The rear door handles are integrated in the rear roof supports — a styling cue borrowed from Nissan SUVs like the Xterra and Pathfinder.

Interior: There are two trim levels — the Sport and the Limited. The standard interior features supportive front bucket seats, tilt steering wheel, console, tachometer, rear defroster, split-folding rear seat and an AM/FM/CD player on both trim levels. Also standard are side-curtain airbags, although front-seat side airbags add $250.

The console includes a sliding armrest that moves three inches for shorter drivers and has a flip pocket for storing a cell phone. There’s also grab handles above all doors with clothes hooks on the rear handles and a handy removable self-charging lamp in the roof above the cargo area that doubles as a flashlight.

Instrumentation is easy to read, climate controls are large, and the small sound system controls are fairly easy to use once you get used to them. Most cockpit storage areas are small, however, the open storage bin above the glove box seems like a good idea — until you’re forced to slam on the brakes and things in it go flying.

Sliding in and out of the fairly low Compass is easy. Four tall adults fit comfortably, but while it’s called a 5-passenger vehicle, that center rear seat isn’t too comfortable.

The Limited version adds leather upholstery, along with a height-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, fold-flat front passenger’s seat, reclining rear seat, plus air conditioning, cruise control, and 18-inch tires — along with additional exterior chrome on the front and rear fascias.

While almost everyone takes power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry for granted any more — even on lower cost vehicles — they’re only standard on the Limited.

Sport trim level buyers can order a $2,600 Luxury package, which includes those power accessories, plus the height-adjustable driver’s seat and fold-flat front seat. However, just the power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote entry are available in a $995 Sport option group.

Air conditioning is an $850 stand-alone option on the Sport, and a power sunroof adds another $800 for both the Sport and Limited. Sirius satellite radio is $195, and several upgraded sound systems are available — including a $460 Boston Acoustics system with two unique flip-down speakers in the tailgate that can face backwards for things like tailgate parties.

Under The Hood: The new Jeep Compass is powered by 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that DaimlerChrysler jointly developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It puts 172 ponies to the pavement and delivers decent acceleration, but only average highway performance because of its size and the fact it has to move a fairly hefty 3,071 to 3,351 pounds — depending on the Compass’ trim level.

It’s coupled to either a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or an optional ($1,000 for the Sport and $1,150 on the Limited) continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which was in my test Compass.

Estimated fuel economy is 25/city and 29/highway with the 5-speed manual and 23 and 26 with the responsive CVT. Thankfully, the Compass runs on regular.

Behind The Wheel: Both the Compass and the Caliber it’s based on have standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. However, the Compass features an electronic all-wheel-drive system not available on the Caliber. It lacks low-range gearing for serious off-roading, but for snow, sand and other low-traction situations — like the Northwest rain — can be locked in a 50/50 front-rear torque split with a small console-mounted handle. You can take the Compass off-road, just not too far off-road.

The Compass is easy to maneuver and pretty fun to drive. It handles well and the steering is quite responsive. The ride is agile and braking is good thanks to standard anti-lock brakes with a brake assist feature for safe panic stops. Traction control and an anti-skid system with rollover sensors are also standard on both trim levels.

Whines: Rear headrests partly block driver visibility. The Compass is also a little noisy on some road surfaces. Those manual windows and locks on the Sport version are something Jeep should rethink as well.

Bottom Line: The 2007 Jeep Compass is roomy, stylish, very car-like and attractively priced. The base Compass Sport stickers at $15,425 with front-wheel drive and $17,025 with all-wheel drive, while the upscale Limited is $19,580 and $21,180 respectively. Jeep is aiming the Compass at buyers who want Jeep’s free-spirited image, as well as the comfort and roominess of a midsize SUV in a fuel-efficient compact crossover. They’ve nailed it with the Compass.