2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk review
What is it?
It’s the newest member of the Jeep family, a compact SUV that slots into the range pointing south to the chunky, urban-focussed Renegade and pointing north to the larger Cherokee.
It’s due to arrive in Australian showrooms next month to face-off against popular models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, and brings genuine off-road abilities above its rivals.
We had a chance to sample the Compass in Los Angeles this week ahead of its local launch.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Jeep Australia has yet to announce prices for the Compass range, but has released details of the four-model line-up that will be available locally.
It opens with the two-wheel drive Sport that is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Even in its most basic trim, the Compass has seven airbags, a reverse camera, cloth trim, a 5.0-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth and voice command and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The next-level Longitude has the same mechanical configuration but comes standard with the automatic transmission and adds LED ambient lighting, automatic headlights, fog lights, roof rails and privacy glass.
The Limited has a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive transmission with Jeep’s Selec-Trac multi-mode off-road driving configurator as well as leather trim, heated front seats, a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with sat nav, smartphone mirroring and a nine-speaker audio system from Beats, plus dual-zone climate control, semi-automated parking, Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED tail lights and rides on larger 18-inch alloys.
At the top of the range, the Compass Trailhawk is uniquely tailored for those seeking more adventurous terrain more often, and comes with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine (which is also optional on the Limited), a low-range transfer case, raised suspension, shallower bumpers for greater ground clearance, underbody protection and red tow hooks. It also has a black anti-glare decal on the bonnet, all-weather floor mats, a full-size spare and additional electronic functions such as hill descent control and a Rock mode in its driver settings.
Considering its position between the Renegade and Cherokee, expect the Compass Sport to cost under $30,000 while the Trailhawk will come in around $45,000.
What's under the bonnet?
The Trailhawk we’re driving in the US has the 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol motor rather than the diesel that will be offered in Australian models.
In the Sport, Longitude and Limited variants it is fitted to it produces 129kW and 230Nm – outputs that put in on par with its chief rivals in the class. In the Trailhawk we tested it was mated to a nine-speed automatic that drives a permanent all-wheel drive transmission with a low-range transfer case.
While the powertrain configuration hasn’t impressed previously in the smaller Renegade and larger Cherokee, it feels much improved in the Compass with a smooth, linear power delivery, better acoustics and greater insulation. It isn’t as up-to-date as modern turbocharged rivals in terms of offering plenty of low-down pulling power, but it gets away from the lights quick enough and comfortably cruises at highway speeds.
Another by-product of its relatively large capacity is fuel consumption, which Jeep rates at 9.5L/100km – well above some of its competitors.
The nine-speed automatic is much better in the Compass than other models, with smoother shifts and a smarter calibration that sees it finding the right gear at the right time, rather than constantly hunting through the cogs.
What's it like to drive?
Surprisingly good actually. Despite the extra ride height in the Trailhawk’s suspension, it sits on the road with sure footed handling, tackles the urban jungle with a degree of comfort and has the ability to go far beyond where its rivals can’t.
The steering is light, but linear across the ratio, which makes it easy to park and manoeuvre around tight spaces in the city. But it also feels positive through the bends and, while there is some body roll when you drive it with a bit of enthusiasm, it hangs on nicely with predictable SUV-style characteristics.
It handles LA’s sharp-edged roads with excellent compliance and is quiet on the grooved highways too, both of which bode well for the Compass tackling Australia’s patchwork of road conditions.
What's it like inside?
It is both familiar and fresh at the same time. Like the exterior, which mimics the flagship Grand Cherokee in its design, the Compass’s cockpit has a family resemblance to other Jeep models.
The dash features clear instruments with a high-res digital screen between the speedo and tacho that has a myriad of information available, the chunky steering wheel is the same as that in the Renegade, as are the controls for the air conditioning, audio system and the Selec-Trac off-road driving modes.
The interface within the multimedia system, however, is all new with updated graphics and menus, making it not only look more modern but easier to navigate through the comprehensive array of functions.
The front seats lack support, but otherwise are comfortable for long distances, have plenty of adjustment and offer a commanding view of the road ahead.
There’s excellent headroom for both rows, decent legroom in the back and a generous boot with a powered tailgate.
Overall, the Compass looks and feels a step-up in quality over other Jeep models with good materials and solid fit and finish.
Is it safe?
All Compass models have seven airbags and a basic suite of electronic driver aids and autonomous emergency braking.
The Limited and Trailhawk models come with semi-automated parking as well as blind spot monitor, forward collision and lane departure warnings.
Would I buy it?
The Compass is the most convincing new Jeep in a generation. It fits the bill as an urban family SUV well – it’s quiet, refined, spacious, safe and stylish – yet it also has an element of ruggedness that sets it apart from others.
The Trailhawk, in particular, offers even an even greater sense of freedom, and has the capability to live up to the promise. And with Jeep’s five-year warranty, it offers more peace of mind than most others.
We’ll reserve final judgement until next month when Jeep confirms final details and prices for Australia, but on face value the Compass finally gives the American brand a genuine competitor in the compact SUV segment.
What else should I consider?
Almost every mainstream brand has an SUV in this class, so the list of alternatives is a long one.
But if you’re after something similar to the Trailhawk, with enough go-anywhere ability to enjoy the odd weekend away, then the Subaru Forester is the closest rival.
2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Price and Specifications
Price: $45,000 (Estimated)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 129kW at 6400rpm
Torque: 230Nm at 3900rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 9.5L/100km