Looks like total ass. The Cherokee doesn't look much better either. It looks dated to me already. It could have been released 8 years ago and badly in need of a complete redesign.
New Ford Edge looks 2342352623x better than this, no comparison. The Edge also doesn't scream cheap at a passing glance.
And I only drove the CVT Compass so I'll take your word on the 5 speed being peppier. Though I've never been impressed with any vehicle that had a CVT, something about that transmission that saps the life out of a car.
1979 Mustang- Needs trans
2004 Explorer- Daily