Jeep Compass Trailhawk 2019: Ultimate Compact Off-Roader Review

The 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment by blending genuine off-road prowess with practical on-road manners. Designed for those who crave adventure without sacrificing daily drivability, this model earns Jeep’s prestigious Trail Rated badge, proving its mettle on challenging terrains. Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, it pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, making it the top choice for rugged escapades.

Design and Exterior Highlights

The Trailhawk’s exterior exudes Jeep’s iconic rugged aesthetic, featuring a bold front grille, angular headlights, and robust cladding that protects against trail debris. Raised ground clearance of 8.5 inches, skid plates, and all-terrain tires enhance its approach angle, allowing it to tackle rocks and ruts with confidence. Tow hooks front and rear add utility for recovery situations, while the compact 173-inch length ensures easy maneuvering in urban settings.

• Key exterior upgrades: Off-road tuned suspension, knobby 235/60R18 tires, and functional hood decals for Trailhawk branding.
• Available panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, enhancing the open-air feel.
• Color options like Granite Crystal and Laser Blue complement its adventurous vibe.

Compared to standard Compass trims, the Trailhawk’s 1-inch higher ride height and unique styling set it apart, signaling its off-road intent without compromising aerodynamics for highway efficiency.

Powertrain and Performance Breakdown

Under the hood, the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine provides adequate power for most scenarios, though it feels underpowered during highway merges or overtakes. The nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly in daily driving but can hesitate under load. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system shines with modes for Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock, plus a low-range crawler gear exclusive to Trailhawk for steep inclines.

On pavement, the steering is precise with moderate body lean in corners, thanks to the stiff chassis. Off-road, it excels: the locking rear differential and sway bar disconnect maintain traction over obstacles, outperforming rivals like the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage on trails. Real-world tests show it achieving around 26-29 mpg mixed, competitive in class.

Interior Comfort and Space Optimization

Step inside, and the Trailhawk surprises with high-quality soft-touch materials, minimal hard plastics, and a driver-focused cockpit. Front seats offer good bolstering for trails, while the rear accommodates adults comfortably—six-footers fit behind themselves with ample legroom (41.8 inches front, generous rear). Total interior volume reaches 126.7 cubic feet, supporting five passengers.

• Climate control: Dual-zone automatic standard.
• Seating: Cloth/vinyl with red accents; optional leather.
• Unique features: Fold-flat passenger seat for extra cargo length.

Cargo capacity impresses at 27.2 cubic feet behind rear seats, expanding to 59.8 with them folded—enough for weekend gear or groceries. Visibility is decent despite thick rear pillars, aided by available rear camera. Safety earns high marks: NHTSA 4/5 stars overall, IIHS Good ratings across tests. Standard features include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise on higher packages.

Technology and Infotainment Excellence

Jeep’s Uconnect system remains a highlight, with a responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen (7-inch base) supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Controls are intuitive, with physical knobs for quick access. Audio options range from six-speaker base to premium nine-speaker Alpine.

Other tech perks:

• Wireless charging pad available.
• Digital cluster with off-road pages displaying pitch, roll, and altitude.
• ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic lines.

The interface loads quickly, minimizing frustration during adventures.

On-Road Dynamics and Ride Quality

Despite knobby tires, the Trailhawk handles potholes and speed bumps better than expected, with a compliant suspension for city streets. Highway cruising is stable at 70+ mph, though wind noise intrudes at higher speeds. Brakes are progressive but can feel grabby initially. It’s more agile than its boxy shape suggests, with responsive steering that inspires confidence.

Off-Road Capabilities: Trail Rated Badge Earned

The Trailhawk’s crown jewel is its off-road hardware. With 8.5 inches of clearance, 30-degree approach/34-degree departure angles, and skid plates guarding the underbody, it conquers moderate trails effortlessly. Videos from snowy Moab runs demonstrate its grip in deep snow and rocks, thanks to Rock mode and low-range gearing. It’s Trail Rated by Jeep, meeting rigorous standards for traction, water fording (19 inches), and maneuverability.

For casual adventurers, it outshines FWD crossovers; serious off-roaders may prefer larger Wranglers but appreciate the compact size.

Trims, Pricing, and Value Proposition

Starting around $30,000 for Trailhawk (2019 MSRP), it’s pricier than base Sport ($22,000) or Latitude but justifies the premium with AWD and off-road gear. Limited trim adds luxury but skips some rugged bits. Resale holds strong due to Jeep branding.

At under 20,000 miles, low-mileage examples retain warranty value.

Safety and Reliability Insights

Standard safety suite includes rearview camera, stability control, and hill-start assist. Optional packages add lane-keep, adaptive headlights. Crash data supports its family-friendly credentials. Reliability is average for Jeep, with the powertrain proving durable off-road.

Fuel Efficiency and Ownership Costs

13.5-gallon tank yields 300+ mile range. Owners report 25-26 mpg average, trailing hybrids but beating thirstier rivals. Maintenance is straightforward; 2,000-lb towing capacity suits small trailers.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Exceptional off-road ability, spacious interior, user-friendly tech, quality materials.
• Cons: Modest acceleration, optional auto adds cost, some wind/road noise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk good for off-roading?

Yes, its Trail Rated status, low-range gearing, and skid plates make it highly capable for moderate trails.

How much cargo space does it have?

27.2 cu ft behind rear seats, up to 59.8 cu ft folded.

What’s the fuel economy like?

EPA 22/30 mpg city/highway; real-world around 26 mpg mixed.

Does it have Apple CarPlay?

Standard on most trims via Uconnect.

Can it tow?

Up to 2,000 lbs.

Final Verdict: Worth the Adventure

The 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk delivers where it counts—off-road confidence in a package suitable for commutes and family hauls. While powertrain lacks punch, its versatility, tech, and interior shine. Ideal for trail enthusiasts on a budget.