There is almost no other car on the road today that combines the same features and ability as this little four-wheel drive.
Buyers shopping for a capable small off-roader will struggle to find any alternatives to the Jeep Compass trailhawk.
Here is everything you need to know about it.
VALUE
Prices for the four-tier Jeep Compass small SUV range start at about $44,000 drive-away and rise to about $57,500 for the Trailhawk version tested here. That’s a lot of money for a small SUV, but if you are after an off-road capable small wagon, there are very few rivals for the Trailhawk.
It wears Jeep’s “Trail Rated” badge, which means it has passed a series of gruelling 4WD tests. It’s the only version in the range to get a turbodiesel engine. It has better approach and departure angles than the others variants as well as increased ground clearance.
Smaller 17-inch alloy wheels – compared to 18- and 19-inch wheels worn by cheaper variants – improve off-road performance. Underbody protection and red tow hooks add to the vehicle’s rugged ability, as does a full-size spare tyre.
Inside there is a 10.25-inch digital display in front of the driver, paired with a 10-inch central screen that is compatible with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless device charging adds to the convenience.
Jeep’s warranty provides cover for five years or 100,000km. That isn’t as attractive as many rivals, who don’t place a cap on kilometres travelled. Servicing is well priced at $1995 over five years.
COMFORT
The cabin presents well, with leather trim on the seats, steering wheel and gear shifter.
Most surfaces are soft to the touch, while gloss black highlights lift the ambience.
The driver’s seat is easily adjusted, allowing for good forward vision.
If you want heated and ventilated leather front seats, a panoramic sunroof and a premium nine-speaker Alpine stereo you’ll need to pony up more than $4000 for the Trailhawk Premium package. Back seat passengers are treated to decent leg room, as well as multiple USB ports and aircon vents.
The ride is comfortable, as the suspension does a good job of ironing out potholes and road imperfections. The trade-off is that the Compass can be a bit slow to recover after larger bumps when driving at speed.
The turbo diesel engine isn’t the quietest around, but tyre and wind noise aren’t too bad.
SAFETY
The Trailhawk will automatically brake if it detects a potential collision with a car or pedestrian. It will also let you know if something is in your blind spot and alert you if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse.
If you start to wander out of your lane the Trailhawk will beep at you and then tug the steering wheel to direct you back into the centre of the lane. Radar cruise control adds another layer of safety and is handy for avoiding speeding fines.
DRIVING
The Trailhawk is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit making 125kW and 350Nm. This is a rarity for a small SUVs, which are almost exclusively petrol powered. The torque-heavy diesel engine is well suited to off-road driving, but sluggish acceleration and slow steering provide a less than inspiring on-road driving experience.
The four-wheel drive set-up provides excellent grip, especially in the wet, where the Trailhawk feels stable and secure.
The diesel is relatively thrifty, drinking a claimed 6.9L/100km.
VERDICT 3/5
Impressive off-road ability comes with a hefty price tag.
ALTERNATIVES
Suzuki Jimny, from $28,490 (before on-road costs)
Cheaper 4WD with remarkable off-road ability but a basic interior, sub-par safety and poor on-road performance.
Subaru XV 2.0i-S AWD, from about $42,200 drive-away
Rugged looking, safe SUV with some off-road ability. Engine and transmission are a letdown.
Kia Seltos GT-Line, from $45,290 drive-away
Great value, with a punchy turbo petrol engine. Won’t go off-road.
JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK VITALS
Price: About $57,500 drive-away
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, 125kW and 350Nm
Warranty/servicing: Fiver years/100,000km, $1995 over five years
Safety: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert
Thirst: 6.9L/100km
Spare: Full size
Luggage: 438 litres