Every model that Jeep builds must have a Trail Rated or Trailhawk version. Basically, a version that is more capable off-road in five areas in comparison to the standard car – traction, water fording, manoeuvrability, articulation and ground clearance. Trailhawk versions come with higher ground clearance, low-range 4x4 gearboxes and additional skid plates.
The Compass Trailhawk is fitted with the company’s Active Drive Low 4x4 system. This means it comes with a low range and a ratio of 20:1, a rear locking differential and an additional Rock setting on Jeep's Selec Terrain system. You also get hill descent control as standard and Jeep has raised ride height by 20mm. The bumpers have been repurposed to allow for better approach and departure angles. The Compass Trailhawk also comes fitted with underside skid plates, all-season tyres and all-weather floor mats. You also get signature red recovery hooks, a black anti-glare bonnet decal, unique alloy wheels and the Trailhawk and Trail Rated badging.
The cars also include interior trim and spec differences as well – you get Trailhawk logos embroidered on the seats, red trim bits around the cabin and an 8.4-inch touchscreen system. The car’s four-wheel-drive selector lets your cycle between four-wheel-drive low, hill descent and the Rock mode setting too. The rest of the cabin is like the standard Compass – so you get generous helpings of soft-touch materials, beautifully stitched seats and quality switches. Space at the front is just fine, the rear still isn’t the most spacious, so sitting three abreast will be uncomfortable. You get a full-size spare in the boot as well.
For our Trailhawk experience, Jeep had chalked out a drive through a Tasmanian forest trail. The trail we tackled was basically a rock-strewn path up a mountain, and the Trailhawk simply excelled on this terrain. While we did hit the underside a few times, but thankfully, the additional skid plates did their job well. We engaged 4-low only for certain sections. The crawl ratio of 20:1 helped the car clamber over steeper rocks with ease and the car even tackled all the muck and sand pretty well too. Even in water it did really well. The higher-set air intake giving it a 480mm water-wading depth. The ride off-road is also great, and the suspension absorbs ruts and bumps really well.
For now, there are no details on when the Trailhawk will go on sale in India but expect it this year itself at the top of the Compass range. The SUV could be priced at around the ₹24 lakh mark.
