As part of the Fiat/Chrysler alliance, one significant strategy moving forward is that smaller vehicles will be Fiat based while, larger offerings will use Chrysler’s own architecture.

Now we’re starting to see the first results of this. Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley, recently announced that the next generation Jeep Compass and Patriot, scheduled to be launched some 18 months from now, will adopt one of Fiat’s front-drive platforms, though in terms of actual engineering, he said both trucklets will “remain 100 percent Jeep.”

Manley also says that both the Compass and Patriot replacements will also be ‘Trail Rated’ (the current Compass, when originally launched in 2007, was the only Jeep vehicle not designed for off-road use, however, a 2011 facelift has finally seen it adopt the trail rated designation, thanks to a higher ground clearance on Freedom Drive II equipped trucks).

The new platform will also spawn a range of Chrysler and Dodge small cars, likely the replacement for the current Caliber in North America.

[Source: CNET]

For the first time ever, Jeep‘s entry-level Compass will become ‘Trail Rated,’ with the introduction of a revised 2011 model.

This hallowed designation results from a one inch increase in ride height on Compass models equipped with Freedom Drive II, plus adopting rebound springs that are shared with the 2011 Grand Cherokee.

In addition, the 2011 Compass adopts a more ‘grown up’ front fasica giving it more than a passing resemblance to big brother Grand Cherokee (a 2010 model is show as no official images were available at post time).

In an effort to improve the vehicle’s appeal, the model lineup has also been simplified for 2011, with the base Compass now sporting a wider array of standard equipment including air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, locks and mirrors.

A new Latitude trim level with a standard CVT transmission also arrives for 2011, while the top of the line Limited sports the CVT, automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels and bright exhaust tip among other things. Jeep has announced that Compass pricing will start at $19,995, with four-wheel drive models beginning at $21,695. Freedom Drive II however, will cost extra.

[Source: Allpar]