Jeep Compass Trailhawk 2019: Ultimate Off-Road Compact SUV

The 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk stands out in the compact SUV segment by blending genuine off-road talent with daily drivability. This model elevates the standard Compass lineup through enhanced ground clearance, specialized tires, and advanced all-wheel-drive systems, making it a top choice for those who venture beyond paved roads.

Design and Exterior Highlights

The Trailhawk’s exterior exudes Jeep’s iconic rugged aesthetic, featuring bold styling cues like blacked-out accents, unique badging, and all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch wheels. Its compact dimensions—173 inches in overall length—allow for easy maneuvering in urban settings while providing an 8.5-inch minimum ground clearance ideal for rough terrain.

• Key exterior features: Skid plates for underbody protection, front and rear tow hooks, and tow hooks for recovery operations.
• Available panoramic sunroof enhances the open-air experience on trails or highways.
• Trail-rated certification confirms its ability to conquer 12 inches of water fording, 30-degree approach angles, and rocky inclines.

This design not only boosts capability but also gives the Trailhawk a distinctive, aggressive look that sets it apart from softer competitors like the Kia Sportage or Nissan Rogue Sport.

Powertrain and Performance On-Road

Powering the Trailhawk is a 2.4-liter inline-four engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While adequate for most scenarios, the engine feels underpowered during highway merges or quick passes, with acceleration described as leisurely.

On paved roads, the chassis delivers surprising stiffness, contributing to agile handling and a stable highway cruise. The knobby all-terrain tires provide decent grip but introduce some road noise and reduced cornering enthusiasm compared to highway-oriented rivals.

Despite these traits, the Trailhawk remains composed, with a smooth transmission that shifts quietly.

Off-Road Prowess and Capability

Where the Trailhawk truly shines is off-road. Its Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 system includes a low-range transfer case, Rock mode for maximum traction, and Selec-Terrain dial offering Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud settings. This setup allows precise torque distribution to wheels with grip, enabling conquest of steep inclines, deep mud, or snowy paths.

Reviewers praise its performance on challenging trails, noting the stiff suspension absorbs impacts effectively while maintaining control. The Trailhawk’s Trail Rated badge underscores its superiority over standard Compass trims and many segment rivals.

• Off-road specs: 8.5 inches ground clearance, 30-degree approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.
• Proven in real-world tests like snowy Moab trails, where it handled loose surfaces effortlessly.
• Towing capacity reaches 2,000 pounds, suitable for small trailers or gear.

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside, the Trailhawk surprises with high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and solid build quality. The cabin feels premium, with available black leather seats and minimal hard plastics. Front seats offer good support, while the rear accommodates adults comfortably—six-foot passengers fit behind themselves with ample legroom and headroom.

Cargo space measures 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with seats folded. A fold-flat front passenger seat adds versatility for long items.

Visibility is somewhat hampered by thick rear pillars, but overall, it’s roomier than expected for a compact SUV.

Technology and Infotainment

The Uconnect system anchors the tech suite, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (8.4-inch optional) supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. It’s intuitive, responsive, and user-friendly, earning high marks for ease of use.

Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise in higher packages. The Trailhawk’s safety package enhances peace of mind on or off-road.

• Standard tech: 7-inch display, USB ports, Bluetooth.
• Optional: 8.4-inch screen, panoramic sunroof, premium audio.
• Edmunds rates technology at 8.0/10.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

EPA estimates for the Trailhawk hover around 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 combined, with real-world tests achieving 26-29 mpg. The small gap between FWD and AWD models makes it competitive. Fuel capacity is 13.5 gallons, providing a range of about 350-400 miles.

Its efficiency holds up well against rivals like the Honda HR-V, even with off-road hardware.

Safety Ratings and Features

The Compass earns four stars overall from NHTSA and top “Good” ratings from IIHS in all crash tests. Standard features like stability control and available blind-spot aids contribute to its solid scores.

Trim Levels and Pricing Insights

The 2019 Compass offers Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trims, all with the same engine. Trailhawk starts higher in price but includes AWD standard. Latitude offers value for on-road focus.

Pros and Cons Overview

• Pros: Exceptional off-road ability, quality interior, user-friendly tech, spacious for class.
• Cons: Underpowered engine, grabby brakes, limited cargo vs. rivals, pricey options.

Who Should Buy the Trailhawk?

Ideal for adventure enthusiasts needing a versatile daily driver with serious trail credentials. Urban commuters may prefer Latitude for better efficiency and cost.

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 on rough terrain.

What is the fuel economy of the Trailhawk?

Expect 22/30 mpg city/highway, with real-world averages around 26 mpg.

How much cargo space does it have?

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

Does it come with Apple CarPlay?

Yes, standard via Uconnect.

What is the towing capacity?

Up to 2,000 lbs.