The off-road masters at Jeep continue to offer a lineup that specializes in getting you deep into the great outdoors and (most importantly) back again.
It all starts with a pair of five-seat crossovers in the Compass and the Patriot. Both share the same wheelbase (along with the Dodge Caliber) but the Patriot is designed to be the more rugged of the two. The Compass shares a look that’s similar to the latest Grand Cherokee and competes with more conventional compact crossovers. It can be also outfitted with one of two optional four-wheel drive systems, the second one earning the Compass a Trail-Rated designation.
The Patriot is similar to the Compass but has a more rugged, squared off look to it and also features a pair of optional four-wheel drive systems. Both crossovers also got a CVT update for 2012 which helps to smooth out performance.
Next up is the Liberty which also seats five but is a true SUV rather than a crossover. The Liberty comes with rear- or four-wheel drive and can tow up to 5,000-pounds with its 3.7-liter V-6. It also features an optional Sky Slider canvas roof which fully retracts and lets the sky in.
Jeep’s largest and most luxurious model is the Grand Cherokee, which was redesigned last year and got a four-wheel independent suspension. The Grand Cherokee adds a high-performance SRT8 trim for 2012 and features one of the most refined cabins around; this is one Jeep that will have you sitting comfortably no matter what terrain you’re on. There are three optional four-wheel-drive systems as well as a Quadra-Lift air suspension that can adjust the ride height.
When you think of a traditional Jeep, you probably think of one these models: the Wrangler, or the four-door Wrangler Unlimited.
The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were designed with one thing in mind and that’s to tackle any obstacles in their way. They feature the signature cloth-top that makes up the roof and covers the rear cargo area and eschew many interior features for a more spartan approach (air conditioning, cruise control, and a navigation system are optional). However, four-wheel drive with dual locking differentials is standard.
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