Review: 2024 Jeep Compass TRAILHAWK
If you thought hybrid SUVs couldn’t deliver the robust off-road capability Jeep is known for, think again. The 2024 Jeep Compass TRAILHAWK 1.3 T4 PHEV 240HP AT EAWD is here to challenge that notion, bringing a blend of electric efficiency and traditional Jeep ruggedness to the table. But what exactly is this beast, and how does it fare on the tarmac and off? Grab a brew, and let’s take a proper look.
A Brief History of the Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass first hit the roads in 2007 as part of Jeep’s efforts to diversify its portfolio and cater to the compact SUV market. Early models were about as rugged as a pair of paper shoes in a puddle, but Jeep has been tweaking and toughening it up ever since.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Compass TRAILHAWK 1.3 T4 PHEV 240HP AT EAWD (try saying that three times fast) emerges as a serious contender, blending eco-friendly tech with legendary Jeep off-road capability. It’s built to get you from A to B – and if B happens to be at the top of a rocky hill, knee-deep in mud, well, even better.
What’s Under the Hood (as they say in the States)?
Underneath that chunky exterior lies a 1.3-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine, paired with an electric motor, kicking out a rather lively 240 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system is designed to let you potter around town on electric power alone, keeping your fuel costs down and your eco-credentials up. But when the going gets tough, the petrol engine steps in, ensuring you won’t be left stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery and a questionable phone signal.
The "AT EAWD" in the name stands for Automatic Transmission with Electric All-Wheel Drive – a fancy way of saying it’s got proper four-wheel drive that actually works. No half-hearted, front-wheel-drive nonsense pretending to be an SUV here..
On-Road Performance
December is a fine month to test a 4x4. The roads are wet, icy, or both, and potholes lurk like mischievous gremlins waiting to ruin your morning commute.
For most people, “off-roading” consists of mounting the odd kerb outside Tesco and dodging craters masquerading as potholes. But the Compass TRAILHAWK takes it all in its stride. The ride is impressively smooth for something designed to tackle the rough stuff, and the suspension soaks up bumps like a champion. The steering is sharp enough for city driving, and the hybrid system makes stop-start traffic less of a chore, gliding around town in near silence like a ninja on wheels.
Out on the motorway, the Compass is composed and comfortable, with enough poke to make overtaking stress-free. It’s not going to win any drag races, but that’s hardly the point. The point is, you can drive it all week like a sensible adult, then take it green laning at the weekend and leave everyone wondering how you got that muddy.
Off-Road Capability
Now, onto the good stuff – getting it dirty. The TRAILHAWK badge isn’t just for show; it means this Compass has earned its Trail Rated credentials, proving its mettle in traction, water fording, manoeuvrability, articulation, and ground clearance tests. In plain English, it can handle a proper adventure.
With raised suspension, skid plates, and Jeep’s clever Active Drive Low 4x4 system, the Compass TRAILHAWK is built for more than just school runs and shopping trips. Whether it’s tackling rutted tracks, muddy fields, or rocky inclines, the Selec-Terrain system lets you flick between snow, sand, mud, and rock modes, adjusting power delivery and traction control to keep you moving forward.
So, if you fancy swapping the M62 for a mountain pass, the Compass is game.
Interior Spec and Comfort
Inside, it’s a nice blend of rugged and refined – like a well-dressed farmer who still knows how to change a tyre. The seats are a mix of premium leather and durable fabric, meaning they look good but won’t mind the odd splash of mud. Heated seats keep you toasty in winter, and the driving position is spot on, giving you a commanding view of the road ahead.
The 10.1” touchscreen infotainment system runs Jeep’s Uconnect software, which is as user-friendly as they come. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in sat nav mean you’ll never be short of entertainment or directions, and a digital instrument cluster keeps all the vital stats front and centre
Space-wise, there’s plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, so even your lanky mates won’t have to fold themselves in half to fit. The rear seats even recline a bit, making long trips more bearable.
Boot Space
An SUV needs to be practical, and the Compass TRAILHAWK delivers. With the rear seats up, you get a respectable 438 litres of boot space – more than enough for the weekly shop or a stack of camping gear. Fold them down, and that expands to 1,387 litres, meaning you can haul just about anything short of a small cow. The boot opening is wide, the loading lip is low, and there are handy tie-down points to stop your kit from sliding about when you hit the rough stuff.
Conclusion
Driving the 2023 Jeep Compass TRAILHAWK feels like having a secret superpower. It’s all urban sophistication on the outside, but beneath the surface, it’s ready to get properly mucky. For those who want a do-it-all SUV – one that handles weekday commutes with ease but won’t shy away from a weekend adventure – this Compass TRAILHAWK is a cracking choice.
It’s comfortable, practical, and has genuine off-road chops. The hybrid system keeps running costs down, and the interior is well-equipped without being overly flashy.
So, if you’re after a versatile SUV that can handle everything from school runs to snow-covered lanes, the Compass TRAILHAWK should be on your radar. Just be prepared for a few raised eyebrows when you try and say the full name out loud.
