2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk: Almost Perfect Off-Road SUV


Jeep’s all-new Compass could easily become a fast-selling SUV. It sports almost everything that one high-riding vehicle needs to have, and what’s more important, you won’t have to set out a fortune for it. No, the base model costs just a bit over $20K, which is really nothing for this kind of SUV. In case you want an off-roader, the car manufacturer has a solution, which is named the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk. This special trim level will knock you out for sure, and here is why:

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk

Most of the carmakers potentiate off-road capabilities of their off-roader, but the real truth is completely different in most cases. Not in the case of the 2017 Compass Trailhawk, which is one really capable SUV made for off-road adventures. In contrast to the regular Compass that’s made for road only, the Trailhawk version adds a number of useful features such as functional tow hooks, ultra-muscular and 0.2-inch thick skid plates and almost an inch lifted suspension system. This way, the carmaker improved ground clearance to 8.5 inches. The SUV tramples over steep terrain with special and chunkier Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, which are on 17-inch wheels. Both front and rear bumpers are totally redesigned and provide specific angles of approaching.

2017-jeep-compass-trailhawk-seats

That’s just a start because the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk also features a unique all-wheel-drive system. This so-called Active Drive Low AWD comes paired with Selec-Terrain system and Active Drive Low, forcing the nine-speed transmission to start from the second gear. The SUV also uses Koni dampers that make ride softer over the rough terrains. Normally, the off-road oriented tires will aggravate steering, but that’s not the case with the Compass Trailhawk. Instead, the steering feel is really impressive.

Jeep’s off-road Compass would be the perfect SUV if the carmaker decides to put something else under the hood. Yet, in this case, the slow and impotent 2.4-liter I-4 ruins the complete picture. The engine delivers 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, which isn’t enough for this kind of vehicle. For instance, it may take forever until the 2017 Compass Trailhawk reaches 60 mph. More precisely, it will take around 9.4 seconds, which is a disaster. Don’t take me wrong. The engine is almost perfect for city ride, but this is not enough for any serious off-roading.

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk interior

The 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk starts a bit below $30K, and we are sure it’s worth every single dollar.

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