This is the 2024 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, which is a small crossover SUV positioned between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee in Jeep’s lineup. The Trailhawk trim has some pretty impressive off-road chops so we decided to skip on-road testing and head straight to the mountains for some off-road fun. The on-road test of an Altitude trim Compass is here.

What’s New for 2024?

The Jeep Compass lineup receives a new front grille insert treatment, you also get Premium LED fog lights and bi-function LED projector headlights.  The Compass Trailhawk receives 17-inch wheels with a new all-terrain tire, Falken Wildpeak 215/65s. At the back, you get a powered tailgate with foot operation and LED taillights.

Trailhawk Model specifics

The Trailhawk model is equipped with Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system with a class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio.  Standard Selec-Terrain provides up to four modes for the best four-wheel-drive performance in any weather conditions, they include Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock mode. The Trailhawk gets a One-inch factory lift, skid plates, and Jeep signature red front and rear tow hooks. It has a 30-degree approach angle, a 24-degree break-over angle, and a 34-degree departure angle. Hill-descent Control is standard it can ford up to 19 inches of water and tow up to 2,000-lb. towing capability.

Under the Hood 

Every Compass model is powered by a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 221 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an excellent eight-speed transmission that powers all four wheels. 0-60 takes 7.5 seconds and you can expect 32 mpg on the highway.  It’s a huge improvement over the wheezy naturally aspirated four that used to be the only option.

It’s a mini Wrangler off-road

As a Trailhawk trim, it would have been a big miss to not drive off-road and at least give it some challenges of varying degrees. We headed out to Marron Valley close to the San Diego Mexico border. It provided some excellent off-road trails and gave us a chance to test the Compass Trailhawk and, of course not get it stuck. It’s a dry and dusty environment and is frequented by undocumented immigrants and Border Patrol whose vehicles have seen some action.

The first test is a short rocky hill that tests axle articulation and the 24-degree break-over angle. Since we’d had some slip-and-slide with the 2023 Compass Altitude we decided to use 4 wheel low and rock mode. With the new Falken tires and the off-road kit that comes with the  Trailhawk, this was easy, some wheel slip was detected and the system sent power to the other wheel. On the way downhill descent control was used and it did seem a little jerky so we resorted to turning it off and using the brakes.

The second challenge was a longer rockier hill but not as steep and the little jeep crowned that hill with ease therefore we had to find something more difficult so we went to our go-to hill which has large ruts, rocks, and slippery loose dirt.

This final hill proved to be quite a challenge. let’s not forget this is still a unibody crossover with independent suspension and limited articulation. Thankfully the “Jeep Active Drive Low” AWD on the Trailhawk is about as close as you can get to a real four-wheel-drive system in any crossover.  On pavement it primarily runs in front-wheel drive mode but depending on the Selec-Terrain mode you choose, it can send 100 percent of the engine’s power to any single wheel.

It was only when we were at the top of the hill did it begin to struggle, two wheels were off the ground and it required us to back up and attack it with more speed. A locking differential would have certainly helped here but it made it.

Interior Comfort and Features

Inside, the Compass Trailhawk balances functionality with comfort. The cabin is well-appointed with durable materials suitable for outdoor activities, while still offering modern conveniences such as a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs Uconnect 5 and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  , smartphone integration, and advanced driver-assistance features. The seats are supportive but they could use bigger side bolsters for off-road shenanigans.

The seats are premium leather as part of the Trailhawk Elite Package and ahead of the driver is the available 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and driver information display. The graphics are crisp and easy to read. One negative to note there isn’t a wireless charger in sight.

Cargo Space

In the back, you get 27.2 cubic feet with the seats up and almost 60 cubes with them folded. Since the Trailhawk is an off-road-oriented vehicle a full-size spare is provided.

Pricing 

Base prices start at $33,895 but since this is a Trailhawk it has a couple of packages. The Trailhawk Elite package is $3,975 and includes a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.2-inch Driver display, Premium leather seats, Driver seat memory, 8-way power driver, and passenger seats.
This one also has the Sun and sound package for $3,275 which includes a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a premium alpine sound system.  Add all that up and you get a total price including destination of $43,335.

Safety and Technology

The 2024 Compass Trailhawk is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard offerings include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

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Verdict

Overall, the 2024 Jeep Compass Trailhawk remains a compelling choice for buyers seeking a compact SUV that can handle off-road challenges with confidence. Its blend of rugged styling, capable performance, and modern amenities makes it a versatile option for adventurers and urban dwellers alike. Whether you’re exploring backcountry trails or navigating city streets, the Compass Trailhawk delivers on Jeep’s promise of capability and durability.

2024 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Numbers

BASE PRICE: $33,895
AS TESTED PRICE: $43,335
ENGINE: 2.0L turbo DOHC I-4
POWER: 200 hp @ 5,000 rpm
TORQUE: 220 lb-ft @ 1,750
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic
ZERO TO 60 MPH: 7.5 Seconds
CURB WEIGHT: 3,840 lb
CARGO SPACE: 27.2 cubic feet, 59.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded
FUEL ECONOMY: 24 city | 32 highway | 27 Combined
OUR OBSERVED: 20.8 mpg
PROS: Zippy on-road handling, very sure-footed off-road 
CONS: Still some cheap interior plastics