I’m usually asked two questions about the cars I drive: What is the most expensive ride you’ve driven? What was the biggest improvement or surprise?
For 2017 the biggest improvement for the crossover model is easy. It is the Jeep Compass Trailhawk. I tested the previous Jeep Compass and it was hard to find anything good about it. While it had 4WD for bad-weather driving it was loud, slow and not nice inside.
The Jeep Compass has seen a complete makeover and pretty much the name is all that remains.
Inside sees the biggest transformation. While the Compass starts around $21,000, the Trailhawk version starts near $29,000, and when loaded with options the price jumps to $33,500. Not cheap, but it’s about the going rate for small crossover now.
You get a decked-out interior and a nice place to spend your time. The materials are vastly different from the previous model. Most of the hard, dull plastics are gone and replaced with higher-quality soft-touch materials used throughout.
The seats are more comfortable also with well-functioning seat heat. There is also a heated steering wheel, making for a warm, winter ride. Rear seat space is pretty much on par with other small crossovers with space for three kids in car seats and a booster. Two adults wouldn’t have a problem in the back but a third might lack the shoulder room with three across.
Cargo space is adequate but nothing really to write home about. Although the optional power lift gate makes loading with your hands full easy. The large 8.4-inch touch screen and Uconnect NAV is easy to use. At first, I found myself hunting for some items in the menus.
Driving the Compass has gone from snoozer to competent compact crossover that is ready for just about anything.
The cabin is hushed on the road with less noise than before and right on with the rest of the class. The ride is smooth and only the larger bumps are felt. There is a bit of lean in some tighter corners.
This is called the Trailhawk so this is off-road ready, and it could put other compact crossovers to shame. There is an off-road suspension and skid plates to protect the underside when you tackle the trail.
Not sure it will really see much off-road use, but there is a trick Selec-Terrian system that allows you to pick the type of off-roading you want to do and the car will set it up. There is “Hill Decent” and “Hill Start” control and it really works well.
Power is where this new Jeep Compass falls a bit short. While there’s more power than before, it’s still not very quick. The nine-speed automatic does try its best to keep the Jeep in the power, and it works very well this time around.
Fuel economy is improved from before. While it’s no MPG winner, I managed 25.9 mpg of regular fuel.
Styling of the new Jeep Compass is more cohesive than before, and it looks more like a smaller Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Trailhawk’s appearance has more with extra clearance.
The Jeep rides higher than most small crossovers. There is a black roof and dual hood color that looks nice with the Spitfire orange color. Red tow hooks front and back add to the off road cred.
The chunky 17-inch wheels aren’t my favorite to look at, with a silver and black two tone color.
The curb appeal of the Compass Trailhawk is much higher now. It has a nice style to it and looks like a more expensive crossover than it really is.
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is now worth a look if you want a small crossover that can take you places that the others just can’t. With an improved interior and styling, the Jeep Compass is capable and ready to impress.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
