Vehicles for this award don’t have to have a transfer case, or even ultra-low gear (or two), though they do have to be able to deliver off road capability and this narrows the field considerably. There has been significant model growth in this segment, with electric and hybrid models making their presence known along with some new-to-market brands. However, it was an off-road stalwart brand which stood out for the award this year showing you can’t beat good genes!

And the winner is the Jeep Compass. “Jeep’s all-new Compass not only looks the business, it does the business.”

Looks are subjective, but the ‘Baby Grand’ – which you can call the Compass without reservation – delivers on Jeep’s heritage driving into the 21st century and beyond. 

Jeep’s tech is brilliant in all aspects and the luxury level is another significant contributor to the Compass’ appeal. 

Three instant ‘wins’ for this new SUV: excellent ride quality around town; the luxe interior (leather, leather everywhere; clever mix of soft and hard-surface plastics) and the intuitive feel of the nine-speed transmission in action.

What really seals the deal  however, is the combination of a proper automatic transmission and the clever four-wheel drive powertrain controls, which can vary between on-demand and permanent four-wheel drive.