The official line is that the Mokka is a traditional SUV, with butch looks and the option of four-wheel drive, whereas the Crossland X is intended to be a more family-friendly choice. To that end, all versions are front-wheel drive, which means there isn’t a driveshaft to the rear that robs the interior of usable space. The Crossland X also has deeper side windows than the Mokka to help create an airier feel inside, and it has smaller wheels, which have the potential to improve space, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
The Vauxhall Crossland X is practical and comfortable, but it’s let down by an underwhelming driving experience.
Pros Spacious and comfortable Eager 1.2-litre petrol engine Plenty of standard safety kit
Cons Is it a genuine SUV? Steering too sensitive Wind noise at speed
The new Vauxhall Crossland X is a spacious, practical and well-equipped family car. It’s more desirable than the Meriva it replaces, but its positioning alongside the similarly-sized Mokka remains unclear despite Vauxhall’s best efforts to distinguish the two. The driving experience is similar and a little uninspiring, but for many Crossland buyers the excellent packaging and comprehensive infotainment system will be the biggest draw. A more modest engine should suffice for most, and in a less expensive trim, too.
The redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass is much improved over its predecessor. It's a good choice if you want a comfortable and affordable crossover SUV that can still handle a dirt road.Jeep produced its previous-generation model for the first part of the model year and then switched over to the fully redesigned Compass. The first one suffers from poor performance, a low-quality interior and a rough ride, among other faults. We don't recommend buying the "old" Compass. The new Jeep Compass, however, is a much more competitive small crossover. Jeep made the new Compass more comfortable and enjoyable to drive on the street, where it knows that owners will spend most of their time.
Pros Solid interior space for such a small vehicle Highly capable off-road for a small crossover Rugged Jeep styling is unique in the segment
Cons Weak power delivery; you're always dipping into the throttle Hard to find a truly comfortable seat position Previous model's poor performance, ride comfort and refinement
Forget what you knew about the old Jeep Compass; this latest model is thoroughly modern, even if it doesn't exactly move the bar far forward in its segment.In its first generation, it went down in history as one of the most unloved crossovers on the road from day one. But that's the past and, aside from its badge, the Jeep Compass is all-new for 2017.
Likes Old Compass? Put out to pasture No more CVT Trailhawk toughness Mini Grand Cherokee looks inside and out Comfortable ride quality and good handling
Dislikes Priced like a larger crossover Narrow inside High cargo area liftover Mediocre visibility Could use more power
The Renegade is more Wrangler-focused, with lots of right angles and round headlights, whereas the Compass is clearly taking styling cues from the Grand Cherokee, so it’s more sleek and progressive.Indeed, you could argue the new Compass’s design looks more traditionally “Cherokee” than the current small Cherokee does. Dimensionally, the Compass has been engineered to fill a relatively narrow space in between the Renegade and Cherokee.The new Compass is a global vehicle.
Pros Crisply styled, off-road capable, nimble handling
Cons Lethargic transmission response, touchy brakes
