2022 Jeep Compass Trailhawk road test review

This motor has its strengths in the way it delivers steady progress across its rev band in most driving scenarios. The Compass is especially competent as a steady highway tourer, wolfing down miles effortlessly. But standards in the segment have risen since the Compass first launched in 2017. The Jeep's rivals, both petrol and diesel, now offer a brisker and more refined driving experience. The improvements that were made to the 9-speed auto that are seen in the Trailhawk too. The Jeep is a touch more alert with its shifts in measured throttle inputs although the lack of a Sport mode and paddle shifters means that the Trailhawk doesn't like being rushed through overtakes and the like.

The standard Compass has always had an impressive ride and handling character, and that continues with the Traihawk with some minor differences. The higher 65-profile of the 17-ich tyres fitted to the Trailhwak give it a marginally cushier ride than the standard Compass. This is most apparent over minor road imperfections and rough surfaces, where the Compass Traihawk pummels through these defects even more convincingly with its off-road-ready suspension package. Although the larger of these impacts are passed into the cabin at city speeds given the firmer low speed ride.

The smaller tyre size also means that the steering feels a touch less direct than it already is, but these are incremental differences that don't really alter the daily driving experience. The multi-link suspension setup at the rear means the Trailhawk continues to handle competently with progressive direction changes although the raised suspension set-up has brought with it a touch more body roll. But like other Compass variants, the Trailhwak feels rock steady at highway speeds.