- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.2i, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
200kW, 315Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 10.1L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk quick spin review
- Sharp looks
- Spacious interior
- Off-road ability
- Expensive
- Powertrain lacks polish
- Lack of standard safety features
What is it?
As the outdoorsy, nature-loving adventurer in Jeep’s Compass family, the Trailhawk is the one intended to go off-road.
Bigger than the Mini-fighting Renegade but smaller than the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, the Compass is a mid-sized five-door SUV intended to woo people away from safe options such as the Toyota RAV4.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Priced from $44,750 plus on-road costs, the top-of-the-range Trailhawk fulfils its off-road promise with a lockable all-wheel drive system, 18-inch wheels with chunky tyres, suspension raised 25mm higher than regular models, special off-road drive modes, red-painted recovery hooks, hill descent control, new bumpers that improve its approach and departure angles and underbody armour to protect its hardware.
Beyond that, you get a digital driver’s display and 8.4-inch central infotainment screen hooked up to sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android auto systems, a reversing camera, electric park brake, digital radio connectivity and more.
Jeep supports the Compass with its “There and Back Guarantee”, which includes a five-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty, capped price servicing and lifetime roadside assistance.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Trailhawk is only available with Jeep’s MultiJet diesel engine, which uses a claimed 5.0L/100km to make solid 125kW and 350Nm outputs. Offering plenty of torque from low in the rev range, the Compass’ engine can feel a little uncouth at times compared with quieter rivals.
A comparatively portly kerb weight for the Compass hurts straight-line acceleration, which slips just under 10 second for the 0-100km/h dash.
The motor is mated exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission which does a reasonable job for the most part, though it can be wrong-footed when choosing ratios.
What’s it like to drive?
We originally tested the Trailhawk off-road at its national launch in the forests of Tasmania, coming away impressed by its abilities away from the beaten track. Back in the real world, the Trailhawk is reasonably well-behaved, though it isn’t as quiet or refined as comfort-oriented rivals.
Showing an impressive lack of body roll when cornering, the Trailhawk retains its composure in most driving conditions, feeling capable on tarmac and dirt.
While we didn’t put its 225mm ground clearance or water-wading promises to the test in suburbia, we’re reasonably confident the Compass will take you where you need to go.
What’s it like inside?
The Compass’ cabin features plenty of toys to play with, and enough space for growing families in the rear - headroom is a particularly strong point.
Jeep’s UConnect touchscreen is easy to use, and the cabin’s modern layout is functional and pleasing to the eye.
Built in India, our test example felt taut, without the sort of squeaks and rattles we’ve found in other cars assembled in the subcontinent.
That said, some of the plastics used feel a little cheap at this price point, and its slightly flat front seats could use more support.
Is it safe?
The Compass was one of the last cars to lock down a five-star safety rating before ANCAP raised the bar, requiring autonomous emergency braking to be standard for cars to receive full marks.
Loaded as standard with stability control and seven airbags - but not AEB - the Compass’ safety quotient can be improved by a $2450 tech pack adds forward collision and lane departure warning systems, a powered tailgate, adaptive cruise control and more.
Would I buy it?
The Trailhawk doesn’t feel like a $45,000 car to me. While I appreciate what it is trying to offer - genuine off road ability in a segment loaded with pretenders - I’d probably settle for a cheaper member of the family.
What else should I consider?
Jeep’s upcoming Wrangler blends the right badge with street creed and proper off-road ability, while Subaru’s soon-to-be replaces Forester represents a more sensible option.
2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk pricing and specifications
Price: From $44,750 plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 125kW at 3750rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1750rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 5.7L/100km