Jeep’s compact Compass crossover goes to another level of off-road ability in Trailhawk form
Jeep’s expanding range of SUVs and full-on 4x4s doesn’t always make it across the Atlantic, but the UK is getting the Trailhawk.Based on the Compass 2.0-litre Multijet 170hp with four-wheel-drive, the Trailhawk branding means it is ‘trail-rated’, having passed Jeep’s own test of off-road ability. You can already get similarly-branded versions of the Grand Cherokee and Renegade, all of which raise the bar compared to the standard car.The list of additional equipment shows that Jeep are flexing their off-road reputation with the Trailhawk and not just laying on some fancy badges. Increased ground clearance and smaller 17-inch alloy wheels wearing all-season tyres are paired with re-sculpted lower bumper sections to improve approach, breakover, and departure angles, with increased underbody protection should you run out of articulation. There’s a low ratio mode for the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox and the Selec-Terrain system has an additional ‘rock’ mode for crawling through difficult terrain, hill-descent control and a selectable ‘crawl’ speed.Your off-roading buddies will spot the Trailhawk on account of a black centre section on the bonnet regardless of exterior colour, while Trailhawk badges on the flanks and the rear complete the visual adornments. Inside there is black leather as standard with flashes of red trim, while the Trailhawk’s high-spec status means it gets the top-end 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and navigation as standard.
Source: Autocar
