A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a capable SUV that can handle both city streets and off road adventures? The Jeep Compass Trailhawk might be exactly what you need. This rugged SUV sits in the competitive mid size crossover segment, offering genuine trail rated capability that sets it apart from more road focused rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. The Trailhawk variant is the most capable version of the Compass range, featuring enhanced ground clearance, skid plates, and specialised drive modes for tackling challenging terrain. With its distinctive styling, practical interior space, and authentic Jeep heritage, the Compass Trailhawk appeals to drivers who want SUV versatility without compromising on adventure capability. Whether you’re planning weekend camping trips or simply want the confidence that comes with proper four wheel drive, this Jeep delivers a compelling blend of everyday usability and genuine off road prowess that few competitors can match.
How Does the Jeep Compass Trailhawk Drive?
The Compass Trailhawk is powered by either a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel, both paired with Jeep’s advanced four-wheel drive system. The petrol delivers 170 horsepower and feels peppy around town, though it can feel strained when fully loaded on steep climbs. The diesel offers more torque at 350 Nm, making it the better choice for towing or serious off-road work where low-end grunt matters most.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.4L Turbo Petrol / 2.0L Diesel
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Power Output
170 - 163 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.2 - 9.6 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 48 mpg
- Boot Space
- 438 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Jeep Compass Trailhawk: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Trailhawk and you’ll find a cabin that’s built for real-world use. The dashboard design is modern and functional, centred around the Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The materials feel robust rather than luxurious, which suits the Trailhawk’s outdoor focus perfectly. Hard-wearing plastics dominate, but key touchpoints like the steering wheel and gear selector feel substantial and well-finished.
The Trailhawk’s robust off-road capability, combined with surprisingly refined on-road manners, makes it a uniquely compelling compact SUV for adventurous drivers.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Jeep Compass Trailhawk?
As a specialised off-road SUV, the Trailhawk’s running costs reflect its capability rather than economy. Fuel consumption varies significantly depending on which engine you choose and how you drive it. The diesel version achieves around 45-48 mpg in mixed driving, while the petrol struggles to better 35-38 mpg in real-world conditions. Insurance costs sit in the moderate range for the class, though the Trailhawk’s off-road capability may push premiums slightly higher than standard family SUVs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Jeep Compass Trailhawk
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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Nissan X-Trail
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £30,000 | £31,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.4L Turbo 170hp | 1.5L TSI 150hp | 1.3L Turbo 158hp |
| Power | 170 bhp | 150 bhp | 158 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 seconds | 9.4 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 42 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 438 litres | 520 litres | 445 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Trail Rated 4WD, Rock mode, Skid plates | Premium interior, Large boot, Refined ride | Seven seats, Reliable, Good warranty |
Is the Jeep Compass Trailhawk Practical for Everyday Use?
Despite its rugged focus, the Compass Trailhawk is surprisingly practical for family use. The 438-litre boot easily accommodates a weekly shop or outdoor gear, and the loading lip is low enough to make lifting heavy items manageable. The rear seats split and fold flat to create a useful load space, and the durable interior materials mean muddy boots and wet gear won’t cause lasting damage. Roof rails and towing capability add to its versatility.
Finally an SUV that can actually go off-road properly. We’ve taken it camping in Scotland and it handled muddy fields and rocky tracks without breaking a sweat. The kids love the high driving position and it’s surprisingly comfortable on long trips too.
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk stands out in the crowded compact SUV market by offering genuine off-road capability alongside family practicality. It combines Jeep’s famous four-wheel drive expertise with modern comfort and technology in a package that’s both trail-rated and school-run ready. While it may not match the fuel economy or on-road refinement of some rivals, it excels in areas that matter to adventurous families.
