Jeep Compass Trailhawk - Test Drive Review

Jeep Compass Trailhawk Introduction

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is expected to be launched in the Indian auto market by July 2019. The bookings for the SUV has commenced prior to its launch. The more off-road variant of the Jeep Compass will feature a list of changes inside out in comparison with the regular variants. To be more specific, on the outside, it will come with some styling updates, some of which are associated with certain functions. In terms of the interior, the new SUV features a darker paint scheme.

Having said that, the most outstanding feature of Compass Trailhawk is the more aggressive off-road system, which helps the vehicle overcome the hardest obstacles. Moreover, the launch of the Trailhawk will also mark the introduction of the 2.0 Multijet II diesel motor which is compliant to the BS-VI emission standards and is mated to an automatic gearbox. Read our Jeep Compass Trailhawk review to discover all the details about this amazing off-road SUV.

Being an extreme off-road variant of the Compass lineup, the Trailhawk comes numerous changes against the regular variants.

Also read - 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Spotted Before The India Launch

Jeep Compass Trailhawk Design

Exterior

To novices, the Compass Trailhawk would bear almost no differences from the normal version. Nevertheless, a closer look would help you realize some of the clear cosmetic alterations which help set it apart from other variants. The most remarkable modifications against the normal version have been done to the front.

Front

In the front, the new SUV comes with an outstanding black decal on the hood, which serves dual functions. The first one is for cosmetic purpose since it contributes to the identity of the vehicle. The second one is to help reduce the glare of the dashboard on the windscreen. Thanks to the second function, the driver will find it easy to drive when the vehicle is exposed to direct sunlight or climbing up steep inclines. It also comes with a new radiator grille which is integrated with a higher-set air-intake to increase the vehicle’s water-wading capabilities. With these new features, the Trailhawk can overcome a water crossing which measures up to 483 mm in depth, which is a considerable improvement in comparison with the normal model with a water-wading capability of only 330 mm.

The bumper has also been redesigned to improve the vehicle’s approach angle; thereby improving its departure and approach angle, by 31.6 degrees and 26.5 degrees, respectively, which helps enhance its off-road capabilities to a great extent. Unlike the international model, the India-spec Trailhawk lacks the front tow hook. The reason is that the latest pedestrian safety standards in India do not allow any protrusions in the front.

Side profile

On the side profile, the most noticeable alteration can be found around the wheel arches where the gap between the tyres and the bodywork is wider. The SUV runs on fashionable brand-new polishing two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with Falken All Terrain Tyres. Besides this, it also gets a red Trailhawk badge.

The side profile of the Trailhawk gets some changes as well.

Rear

The rear bears a strong resemblance to the normal variants apart from a new Trailhawk badge, a restyled bumper to improve manoeuvrability, and a ruby red tow hood which can pull the weight which is 1.5 times that of the Trailhawk.

The rear of the Trailhawk bears a strong resemblance to the regular variants apart from some few different features.

In addition to all of these above, the Trailhawk also offers a 27 mm higher ground clearance (now measures 205 mm) which helps improve its break-over angle and two skid plates which help reduce the damage to the exhaust pipes, the floor and the engine as much as possible.

All of the aforementioned features contribute to the great off-road capabilities of the Trailhawk.

Interior

Overall interior design

For those of you who are impressed by the exterior design of the Trailhawk, the cabin of the vehicle will also not let you down. The new SUV comes with an all-black cabin, which is the most important differentiating feature from the regular version. The darker paint scheme which is borrowed from the Black Pack edition Compass may reduce the airiness of the cabin but is of great use when the off-road vehicle’s cabin gets dirty after dealing with some muddy roads. The contrasting red stitching decorations around the cabin, especially on the leather seat coverings, add to the sportiness of the vehicle. Like the regular variants, the Trailhawk poses no difficulty for both the driver and the passengers during their entry into or exit out of the car. The vehicle offers well-padded seats with reasonable space for four large adults.

Interior features

Surprisingly, while the Trailhawk is the top-spec variant of the Jeep Compass lineup, it is not the best-equipped one. The off-road vehicle lacks three important features: wipers, automatic headlamps and electric adjusted driver’s seat, all of which are available in the Compass Limited Plus. The panoramic sunroof which is offered in the latter is also a paid optional feature in the Trailhawk.

Apart from these pieces of equipment, the new SUV is equipped with a wide range of top-notch features, one of the most outstanding of which is the new 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system which has replaced the 7.0-inch unit on the regular version. This system supports navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other interior features include climate control, keyless entry, speed control, a 7.0-inch MID and engine start-stop with the last two being the exclusive features on the Trailhawk.

Despite not being the best-equipped in the Jeep Compass lineup, the Trailhawk is equipped with a wide array of top-notch features.

Furthermore, the Trailhawk will ensure a safe journey for both the driver and the passengers with a host of safety features. These include 6 airbags, electric park brakes, electronic roll mitigation, hill holder, electronic roll mitigation, ISOFIX child seat, traction control system, dynamic stability control.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk Specifications

Dimensions

Performance

Engine and transmission

The Trailhawk receives its power from a 2.0-litre Multijet II turbocharged diesel engine which complies with the BS-VI emission standards and can produce a maximum power/torque figure of 170 BHP/350 Nm. This motor is not only more environmentally friendly than the one which powers the normal version but also offers a more constant power delivery and a flatter torque curve. The driver can derive numerous benefits from a strong mid-range and a well-controlled turbo lag, which indicates that the Trailhawk is an energetic performer. The NVH levels of the vehicle have also been improved, which helps the occupants feel more comfortable.

The diesel engine which is mated to an AT gearbox helps the SUV offer a decent riding and handling quality in off-road conditions.

The transmission duties are undertaken by a 9-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox which can offer smooth and responsive shifts. The manual mode can also be utilized when necessary. However, there exists some room for improvement here which is a slight reluctance to downshift on steeping hard on the gas. Apart from this, there is nothing to complain about here. The updated steering is accurate and becomes heavier when the speed increases; the ride and handling quality is decent. For the strict driver who pays too much attention to small details, one more problem with the vehicle is that the brakes can do with some more bite.

Off-road performance

As regards the Trailhawk off-road performance, Jeep Active Drive Low 4WD and Jeep Active Drive System are offered on the new model with a crawl ratio of 20:1 and a final drive ratio of 4:334. Also, besides the Sand, Snow, Mud and Auto drive modes, a Rock mode is also offered, which helps the car tackle even the roughest terrains.

In our test drive, we drove the Trailhawk automatic diesel on a quite challenging off-road terrain. This allows us to utilize the off-road system to the fullest. The new SUV was faced with some very challenging obstacles, articulations, rocky patches, water-crossings, ascends and descents, none of which could interfere with the operation of the vehicle or cause any noticeable impacts to the occupants.

The off-road system proves to work effectively in helping the vehicle deal with the roughest off-road terrains.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk Price

After many delays, finally, the long-awaited extreme off-road version of the Jeep Compass, the Trailhawk will be introduced to the Indian auto market by June 2019. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk price will be announced at its launch. If we have to guess, we will expect it to be priced in the range from INR 26 lakh to INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom) which is no cheap deal at all. Nevertheless, for those who are interested in a highly capable off-roader which has an attractive appearance, a well-equipped high-quality cabin, offers a decent ride and handling quality, especially an excellent off-road performance and do not mind spending some more money on their favourite vehicle, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a perfect choice for you.

Also read - 6 Interesting Facts About The Upcoming Jeep Compass Trailhawk

Jeep Compass Trailhawk Verdict

Above we have provided you with a detailed Jeep Compass Trailhawk review. The Trailhawk is a perfect option for off-roading enthusiasts who are looking for a comfortable and premium off-roader. Certainly being more capable than the normal variants, the Trailhawk will be as aggressive as any large ladder-frame SUVs, which used to be the best choice for the off-roaders. Additionally, the Trailhawk is the first and also the only variant of the Jeep Compass lineup to come with a diesel AT version, which is a good news for any auto customers who have been long for the diesel AT version of the Compass, which offers a high power/torque output and a smooth responsive drive at the same time.

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