The 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk stands out in the compact SUV market, especially for drivers who want off-road ability without sacrificing comfort or style. Jeep has built a reputation for rugged vehicles, and the Trailhawk version of the Compass is designed for adventure while keeping city driving smooth. Many buyers wonder if this model really delivers both worlds or if it’s just another SUV with a tough look. This review covers what makes the Trailhawk unique, how it performs, and what you should know before buying.
Exterior And Design
The first thing you notice about the Trailhawk is its bold design. It has a raised suspension, red tow hooks, and black hood decals that signal it’s ready for off-road action. The Compass Trailhawk includes 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, giving it a tough stance compared to other compact SUVs.
Distinctive features:
- Black roof and accents
- Unique Trailhawk badging
- Skid plates for underbody protection
These design choices aren’t just for show. The raised ground clearance (8. 5 inches) and short overhangs improve the SUV’s ability to handle rough terrain.
Interior Comfort And Features
Inside, the Trailhawk blends practical materials with modern tech. The seats use a mix of leather and cloth, which makes them easy to clean after a messy adventure.
The cabin is spacious for a compact SUV, with seating for five and decent legroom in both rows.
Standard features include:
- Uconnect 4 system with 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual-zone climate control
The cargo area offers 27.2 cubic feet with seats up, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet when folded. One insight many miss: the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, which can make loading bulky items harder.
Performance And Off-road Capability
The 2019 Compass Trailhawk is powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. It uses a 9-speed automatic transmission, which helps manage power efficiently.
Key performance stats:
- Fuel economy: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph time: About 9.5 seconds
What sets the Trailhawk apart is its Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 system. This system provides a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it possible to drive over rocks and steep trails. The Trailhawk also features Hill Descent Control and the Selec-Terrain system, with modes for snow, sand, mud, and rock.
Beginners often overlook the importance of the approach, departure, and breakover angles:
- Approach angle: 30.3°
- Departure angle: 34.0°
- Breakover angle: 24.4°
These angles are essential for off-roading, as they determine how well the vehicle can climb or descend obstacles without scraping the body.
Technology And Safety
The Trailhawk is packed with tech for convenience and safety. The Uconnect system is responsive, and the touchscreen is easy to use, even with gloves. Safety features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
One thing many buyers miss is the adaptive cruise control, which is optional and not standard. Some rivals include this at lower trim levels.
Driving Experience
On city roads, the Compass Trailhawk feels stable and comfortable. The suspension absorbs bumps well, and steering is light. However, the engine can feel underpowered when accelerating quickly or merging onto highways.
Off-road, the Trailhawk shines. The 4×4 system and extra ground clearance make it easy to tackle dirt roads, snow, or rocky paths. The all-terrain tires grip well, and the Hill Descent Control works smoothly on steep slopes.
Comparison With Competitors
Let’s see how the Compass Trailhawk compares to other popular compact SUVs.
| Model | Horsepower | Fuel Economy (mpg) | Ground Clearance (inches) | Off-Road Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Compass Trailhawk | 180 | 22/30 | 8.5 | Selec-Terrain, Hill Descent |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 152 | 27/33 | 8.7 | X-Mode AWD |
| Toyota RAV4 Adventure | 203 | 25/33 | 8.6 | Multi-Terrain Select |
The Compass Trailhawk is not the most powerful or fuel-efficient, but its off-road capability is among the best in its class.
Pricing And Value
The 2019 Compass Trailhawk starts at around $29,445. With options, the price can go up to $34,000. Some buyers might think this is high, but it’s important to compare the features.
| Feature | Trailhawk (Standard) | Crosstrek (Optional) | RAV4 Adventure (Optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×4 System | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | No | Yes |
| Leather Trim | Yes | No | Yes |
| Touchscreen (8.4″) | Yes | No | Yes (8″) |
One non-obvious insight: while the price is higher, the Trailhawk includes features that are optional or unavailable on other models.
Practical Tips And Common Mistakes
Many first-time buyers forget to test the Selec-Terrain system in real conditions. Always try different driving modes before buying. Another mistake is ignoring rear cargo space; check how the seats fold and if the space fits your needs.
If you plan to tow, note that the Trailhawk’s rating is 2,000 lbs not enough for larger trailers.
Maintenance And Reliability
Jeep offers a basic warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles. Maintenance costs are average, but off-road driving can increase wear on tires and suspension. Routine checks are important, especially after rough use.
A common oversight is not checking for recalls or software updates. The 2019 Compass had a few minor recalls, so make sure any used vehicle is up to date.
For more details on Jeep’s history and reliability, see Jeep’s Wikipedia page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Main Difference Between Compass Trailhawk And Other Compass Trims?
The Trailhawk has extra off-road features, raised suspension, and skid plates. Other trims focus more on style and comfort.
Is The Compass Trailhawk Good For Daily Driving?
Yes, it’s comfortable for city roads, but the engine may feel slow when you need quick acceleration.
Can The Trailhawk Handle Deep Snow Or Mud?
With Selec-Terrain modes and all-terrain tires, it performs well in snow and mud. Always check tire condition before rough weather.
Is Adaptive Cruise Control Standard?
No, it’s optional and may not be included in all Trailhawk models. Check before buying.
How Does The Trailhawk Compare To Subaru Crosstrek For Off-roading?
The Trailhawk has better crawl ratio and more rugged features, making it stronger for tough trails, but the Crosstrek is more fuel-efficient.
The 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a smart choice if you need real off-road ability in a compact package. While it isn’t perfect, its unique features, rugged design, and tech make it a strong competitor. If you value adventure and versatility, the Trailhawk is worth a closer look.
