2017 Jeep Compass On and Off-Road Review: How Mud-Worthy is the Trailhawk?

( www.TFLcar.com ) 2017 Jeep Compass On and Off-Road Review: How Mud-Worthy is the Trailhawk?
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[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

Somebody at Jeep said "I have an idea. Why don't we make the Compass actually good?" And by golly, Jeep listened!

[@tc1uscg65]

They also seem to think people forget. Trying to push a car with a bad rep and where the majority of previous owners would never buy (oops, lease.. forgot, people can't afford to buy cars anymore so they rent them) another again is bad. Would you buy a minivan named the Pacifica if you had ever owned a older style pacifica?

[@yanni2737]

1.5millions sold last year! My 2020 there would be more than 2m making it more popular than Audi. When you built a good vehicle with the Jeep brand, it will sell, period.

[@mooseymikey82]

not a bad looking little unit, and not a CVT anymore. Bonus

[@Stuka87]

Even the current one is not a CVT, hasn't been for several years.

[@Suction_]

The current Compass and Patriot are both CVT units

[@Stuka87]

NOPE, they have used 6sp autos for several years (Since 2014 as I recall).

[@buckshot6481]

Stuka87 check the dealer lots, covered up in 2016 cvt unit's. they should have dropped it but didn't. hundreds for sale with 2.0,& CVT

[@bUtMyRiGhTs]

Baylor58 Duncan the 2006-2016 Patriot and Compass (Renegade was already a Fiat at this point) is based on the Mitsubishi GS platform with their engine also. The 2017 models including the Renegade are are based on the FIAT 500 Platform and use their engine...

[@SoFloLuca]

Looks great! Love it! Good review Roman!

[@virendradr]

thanks dear sir for an exciting detailed review of the tiny beast ,off roader...

[@CMUchippewa]

Yes! I've been wanting to see this!

[@ashleycosta9208]

Honestly no one should hate on Jeeps til they’ve driven one. I just bought the Compass in the Trailhawk model and love it. The drive terrain is amazing and I think this video underestimates the quality and drive it can handle.

[@OverlandTT]

The side profile looks like the new discovery sport! Nice review.

[@matanram]

I like how they set rocks around the track for increased dramatic effect but in reality it's a smooth surface

[@ObamaTookMyCat]

Well if you notice they were also doing the photo shoots for the advertisements.

[@joelborden3242]

Good looking little jeep. Sort of like a large Renegade.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

Its like a renegade and a Range Rover Evoque had a baby.

[@tc1uscg65]

The Pacifica got a bad name and FCA decides to name it's flagship the same. Gotta wonder how many people will walk away from owning one just because of it's name? No matter how they promote the compass and it's "off road" abilities, it will always be known as the compass and people to people who have owned one vowed to never get another so many will not even bother. FCA/Jeep needs, IMO, come up with different names and STOP using names from platforms that got bad raps (deserved). I have owned two KJ's and still own a 02 KJ and 09 KK. These will be my last Jeeps till they return to the box, no frills platform that can tow more then a couple of jet skis.

[@HenryFerlauto]

Any idea when the manual transmission versions of 2017 Jeep Compass will be available, and likewise when you'll be able to review one?

[@andreasm2882]

I like the new look and hopefully you guys will be able to test out 6 speed manuel soon. I just wouldn't trust the auto transmission for the long haul

[@Thirsty_Fox]

Pretty good off-road for a compact SUV. Kind of in a class of its own, really, as all the rest are road-only. Could be fun for some people.

[@kravmagasma9211]

do you have the review of the compass sport 2 wheel drive 2.4 L with the 6 speed auto

[@PatrickRich]

Next time you talk to Jeep can you ask them why the refuse to use the AAM edotrac 2 speed unit they use on the KL cherokee on anything else they make? Its the same transmission, its the same basic components (Active drive low is just the single speed AAM ecotrac system, same as on the KL). There is literally NO reason you couldn't have activedrive II or activedrive lock on a renegade or compass...and I would like to know why.

[@PrincessTS01]

i wonder how well the 2023 jeep compass with 2.0L turbo 8spd 4x4, would do on tumbleweed ranch on x offroad trail

[@bcuz2975]

It's a pretty cool looking ride.

[@YoteNationest]

looks are there 👌, now for a small diesel option and a manual transmission and locking rear!

[@ikephipps2696]

Is this a refresh or a total redesigned

[@ebenezerswitch4493]

Man, I sure wish my Prizm could go down hills like that. Sweet.

[@430CMB]

Has anyone drove the 6spd manual Compass? I cannot find a review from anyone on it.

[@rockymountboy]

Compass & Patriot are being discontinued, oddly. Seems to me there is a market for them, even with the Renegade & Cherokee available.

[@V.Vaughan]

a cute little SUV!

[@kingken0460]

I'm not sure how reliable this will be but I think it looks pretty good, especially in that nice blue. 👍

[@budfans]

they should redesign the cherokee to look like this current cherokee is ugly

[@jonalesch]

I like Jeeps and I'd have to agree. This is definitely a more pleasing design with good lines. About the only Cherokee I like for looks is the Trailhawk.

[@DooDooWater7]

Totally agree. My next vehicle will be the Compass Trailhawk. It would be the Cherokee Trailhawk with the 3.6L V6 but the current Cherokee is just so ugly... The current Compass is extremely pleasing to look at, and appears to be just as off-road worthy as the Cherokee, while getting better MPG to boot.

[@juliomonterojr]

how does it compare to the renegade TH

[@makker0082]

Hi Roman, nice review, can't wait to see the specs here in Europe. We will not get the 2.4 liter that is for sure, the CO2 tax would kill it on the spot. I expect Fiat will be pushing their 1.4 liter engine which delivers a nice 170 horsepower. It also is the standard engine here for the Renegade. THANKS !!

[@weedmastersr]

Probably a 2.0 diesel here in Europe with 160 HP.

[@paulwicklund1052]

Can it be flat-towed behind an Rv.

[@johnbaker5751]

looks fun

[@jordanjolley1]

love the way it looks, but the fact that they didn't have you climb any hills leads me to believe it probably can't climb any better than my '17 Sportage. Granted, my Sportage climbs very well so far. but if I were to spend the kind of money for a Trailhawk Compass, I'd want it to do much better. very good looking, though!

[@greygoose4x46]

What in tarnation ...

[@G22HOTM]

test on desert plz

[@syy8976]

I have a 2020 jeep compass latitude. It's really nice, drives good and I still haven't tried it off road lol

[@mikeharris7261]

the limited Jeep compass looks so good but to damn scared to buy it because of chrysler reliability issues.

[@RKmndo]

Yeah, this gen of Compass looks WAY better than the 1st gen...almost like a mini Grand Cherokee...classy. The Trailhawks need a "siped mudder" option, IMO. I'd LOVE to see a light siped mudder by Falken, made on a similar carcass as the CUV-focused Wildpeak AT Trail.

[@micheleabate146]

Nice Jeep

[@Texanminecrafter29]

I like your mavic drone lol

[@lamontagnesteve2665]

How compare to the renegade ?

[@ChuckRage]

Not bad for all season tyres in my opinion

[@TheLuftwolf]

Roman, I have a Patriot from a couple of years ago and it too is pretty "gutless". Why do you suppose Jeep insists on their utility vehicles staying so under powered, when just a slight power upgrade would make all their vehicles more appealing to more of us? Thanks for the road test comparisons. Bob/Okc

[@aidensnow5017]

Because the compass is so close in size to the Cherokee if they gave it more power you would have no reason to upgrade to a 2.0T or 3.6 V6 Cherokee. The compass' 2.4L puts out 180BHP that's actually really good for the sub-compact class that the Compass technically competes in, Honda's offering for this class only has like 164BHP so its not as bad as some people make it out to be. The compass still has a 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds, that's not gonna blow anyone back into their seat but it's plenty for daily use and merging onto the highway.

[@MyJeep]

They should have a rubicon model with solid axles from a JK, I would buy that.

[@wegodown2010]

in your opinion which one's better off road vehicle the Jeep Compass or the Jeep Renegade 2017

[@greygoose4x46]

spin mtl I wouldn't take either of them on anything other than a fire road ...

[@ankursharma8624]

This looks like a small Grand Cherokee. This is how the Cherokee should look like. And I won't mind if the Compass looked like the way Cherokee looks.

[@tomasm87]

This vs the Subaru Crosstrek? Stuck between the two of them.

[@RKmndo]

Crosstrek is Japanese. Compass is Italian. Aftermarket is OK for the 2nd gen Crosstrek. 180HP 2.5L is available, but not with manual trans. All other Crosstreks are chain-drive CVT. Crosstrek tows 1500lb, and I can get 45+MPG with my 2016 2.slo/CVT Crosstrek if I set the cruise around 55-65MPH.

[@ManpreetSingh-nr4uk]

superb great

[@jlv3x]

I would prefer to buy a Wrangler Unlimited but money wise I may have to settle for a new Compass or an 18' Cherokee when it comes out.

[@SurelyYewJest]

I kinda wish FCA would just dump the Tiger Shark 4 and do either a small displacement Pentastar in the 2.5-2.8L range, or just engineer another 4-cylinder. The Tiger Shark just needs some serious updates. It's got a lot of the tech boxes checked, but nobody likes it. It just doesn't compare well to an Ecotec or a Ford 4, to say nothing of a Honda 4.

[@SurelyYewJest]

That said, this Jeep crossover does PLENTY of off-road prowess for my needs. Personally I'm not into taking Wranglers and turning them into crazy 37"-tired, rock shox-bedazzled rock spiders with 70 degrees of articulation and portal axles. This thing has plenty if I want to off-road occasionally while mostly staying on dirt or gravel service roads in the woods.

[@fasacosta1954]

wonder why they didnt bring the subie to the offroad test

[@perche26]

subaru forester vs jeep compass, wich one do you prefer?

[@guyproulx1660]

Miguel G The Forester is a much more reliable vehicle and it has a great resale value

[@Natethegreat200c]

guy proulx not true. Boxer engine isn’t reliable.

[@tungol00]

So this is gonna steal a pretty good chunk of sales from the renegade trailhawk.

[@dre04mach]

I like how he gets to the muddy area, says you need better tires, points out the tow hooks, and then moves to the road stuff... just how bad did it get stuck?

[@justino8935]

How do you guys think the Compass Trailhawk would do on Cliffhanger 2.0 and Truth/Dare?

[@rafaeltorres2886]

I don't understand TFL keeps bringing up how these lil guys has a 20 to 1 crawl ratio that isn't enough , well maybe using a set bfg all terrain tires Ko2 , it should be an option

[@jeepthing98]

At least the 30 second ad we can't skip is COD.

[@mrmaaical8727]

I’m here just for Roman Mica, he’s the BEST

[@aleoimpala]

Nice little rig. I'm just not sure about reliability...

[@whatsongisthis5691]

At least there is a recovery point in the back. Tired of SUVs (and now semi off-road leaning crossovers) only coming from the factory with 1 stock recovery point in the front and nothing in the back.

[@eastonhirsh4088]

Dont think this will be the most reliable vehicle on the market, but goddamn jeep nailed the looks on this car, it just looks good

[@InfoumusMOBB]

this is miles better then the out going model but when I buy a 30k trailhawk I don't want some weak "tiger shark" engine...I want torque, this is when jeep should offer only a diesel or v6 model only in any trailhawk model....

[@DustinB855]

Want to see compass vs Cherokee now since compass looks better

[@vishwasreddy9742]

DustinB855 only on the back

[@gracilism]

I wish they had the manual transmission on the Trailhawk.

[@Rahul_BVB09]

Yes

[@williamconrad1087]

I wish the manual they do have didn’t feel like you’re shifting an ice cream cone.

[@ObamaTookMyCat]

The renegade with the 2.4 is understandable, but the 2.4 in this is a big turnoff, it should have at least been a turbo 2.4 or a V6... it seems underpowered.

[@THR33SIXX3MPYR]

Show me someone who will actually off-road in one of these and I'll eat my shoe

[@grantjourney2337]

OneTallOrder Yea I would never try it with mine.

[@essel23fly]

Only way someone would go off roading in a Jeep Compass is if they are high on meth

[@SulCoCrazy]

I would if I had one. Shit....I take my 2.5i forester on trails and across streams. And yes, it does just fine lol.

[@JimWatrach]

Do it all the time and it’s great.

[@conleyshallcross3513]

Owner of a 2016, it does well for what it is. Not bad for a 4 cyl

[@kaihtheloner]

I hope Jeep retails this at a sensible price in India considering it is one of the countries where Jeep Compass will be manufactured. Thankfully It's not going to be a CBU like the Ford Mustang which was launched at a whopping $124,474.88 OTR (Although that blame for the pricing fiasco rests both on Ford and our Govt.). The Hyundai Tucson was launched a while back for $37,195 though the on road price after taxes, registration, insurance would put it around $39,000-$40,000. And the best part is, for the India specific model, while they jacked up the prices, Hyundai thought it would be best for us not to get the Panoramic Sunroof, Ventilated Seats, Heated Seats, and a host of other features. Hope Jeep doesn't take the path that Hyundai did.

[@KalifornistanRefugee]

If this little guy had a turbo it’d be perfect.

[@rafaeltorres2886]

better now, just need a little more suspension travel.

[@cooking4times]

Is this new Compass built on a Fiat platform? The Jeep Renegade is a Fiat 500X. Is the Compass also a twin to any Fiat or is is it a true Jeep?

[@ruquik]

Yes, same as the 500X /Renegade platform

[@cooking4times]

Oh well. I'll pass on it then. Not worth the reliability risk. The 500X and Renegades are full of problems.

[@michael9678727]

Rob Fozney Adventures no it's not the same platform as the Fiat 500! completely different.

[@guyproulx1660]

Rob Fozney Adventures If you are looking for the best reliability look no further than a Japanese vehicle

[@ruquik]

I have see it and been under it in person. It is deff the same suspension pieces.

[@a.k.k05]

this thng costs around 45k in india😶

[@lastminute1970]

Forza Jeep

[@STICKSHFT]

"jeep says, if you're not getting stuck when using these then you're not doing it right"... lol that's the engineers acknowledging that anyone who takes these off road will get stuck... alot. but don't worry at least you'll be "doing it right"

[@JosephSmith72]

I bought a brand new Dodge Dart off of the show room floor thinking I would like to get back to some good fuel mpg after owning my Jeep liberty. That tiger shark engine stank! I was really good on mpg which is what I wanted but man did I suffer when it came to pick-up :/. I got rid of it after about 6 months. My acquaintance has the turbo charged version and it is a TON better. Something to consider if your gonna get a vehicle with a tiger shark engine. Peace.

[@sycodad4483]

I bought a 2018 compass trailhawk 4 weeks ago. 1700 miles on it. I thought it would look cool with some all terrain tires on it. Its hard to believe jeep made a "trail rated" suv with a tire size that you can NOT get all terrain tires in. WTF???

[@ChillinWithGuacamole]

It's hard finding some but I was able to

[@mikeperez5567]

Falken has a Wildpeak AT3W tire that fits the 215/65/r17, you could also run 225/60/r17 or 225/65/r17. The biggest option gives you the ability to run KO2s.

[@RKmndo]

If 15" rims fit over the calipers, this thing could probably fit 235/75R15s, or maybe even 30x9.5R15s. Yokohama and BF Goodrich offer mudders as small as 215/75R15s. 225/60R17s are similar overall diameter. I run Falken Wildpeak AT Trails in this size on my stock 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. They're all-weather ATs, engineered for unibody crossover SUVs like Compass, Renegade, Crosstrek, RAV4, etc.

[@AlexKluiber]

Blech, the Falkens are about as good as it gets for that tire size. You'd think they'd try to accommodate a marginally different size so actual AT tires were at least optional.

[@tomthumb2815]

This looks just like some of the filming locations of warren oats , peter fonda ,, race with the devil.

[@fordfiveohh]

Why the hell have they not just thrown the Neon SRT-4 engine in there.... why....

[@Macsk8ing]

Jeep Renegade : Renegade 1 Cherokee: Renegade 2 Compass : Renegade 3

[@tunaboi420]

Damn I live in San Antonio where the hell is this place

[@djangomarine6658]

jesse hernandez Right?

[@christopherbuda]

I'm curious too. Doesn't look too extreme, but would be fun to take the boy and go play on a weekend afternoon.

[@SanchezAaron01]

Did we ever find out where this place is at?

[@tuner066]

That 2.4 is that the same oil burner I have in my Dart.

[@Eeaotc02]

Did he just say that the Tigershark is the best name in the business?

[@mariomaster0248]

Joshua Johnson I think he meant it literally. Like the actual name,tigershark,is cool.

[@senshibat8920]

the wheel is great test drove a limited whilst thee 300 was getin routine maint. it was the funny year the shifter was placed up odd spot dash.. our liberty cvt was getin wonky cheers indeed on switch.back end was so bad on lib in winters north or the spring line. dreadful radiator fan in the old mercedes years..liek they gave detroit the ones they didnt want in europa.

[@USA____]

Not built in Mexico for long believe me folks

[@djangomarine6658]

Nick Henry No. We no longer believe you.

[@melonbarmonster]

Nick Henry yea it's going to be built in Vietnam, Thailand next.

[@pontiachotshot]

I laughed when he said its going to be built in mexico for the US.

[@WarriorWolve]

It's built in Toluca assembly plant in Mexico for the NAFTA market.... I work there.

[@caliboyrob]

Well Trump's clothing is still built in China so.....

[@cryptographindex3614]

This car does look great though like a mini Grand cherokee, unlike the Cherokee which looks god awful in the front

[@bUtMyRiGhTs]

A turbo wouldn't have any low end torque that you would want in a JEEP.

[@RKmndo]

Turbos can spool fine at low RPM...if they're designed to. Variable-vane turbos and similar are getting better and better.

[@jzoz]

Only going down trails, but not climbing them??? any civic can go down a muddy slope :(

[@ekinox80]

ive watched all the videos, not single one where you can see it climbing something

[@jzoz]

Yeah, just going down, is gravity, no use of 4x4 capabilities :( @TFLC

[@Dwealdric]

That's because it has the same issue as the Renegade. Due to the powertrain being incredibly underpowered, and no true low range, the vehicle stops producing forward power. The engine will rev, all four tires will have grip, but nothing will move. No tire spin. Just engine noise. Can be seen in tons of youtube videos of the Renegade, and I'm sure they don't want to show off the same failure here.

[@V.Vaughan]

Still it is affordable.

[@TytheBandit]

But is it mall worthy? Buy some things, ask some soccer mom/dads how it looks and rate it.

[@BTC909]

Lease only and have a spare vehicle available.

[@AdoreiMandy]

Why do you say that

[@BTC909]

@@AdoreiMandy Poor quality vehicles. If you lease you can either sell it before the lease is up (if a profit is to be made) or turn it in.

[@AdoreiMandy]

@@BTC909 I bought the 2019 trailhawk 😳🤣🤦

[@BTC909]

@@AdoreiMandy Consider the 'Mopar Maximum Care' extended warranty.

[@AdoreiMandy]

@@BTC909 I'll look into it. Thank you

[@jduke989]

180 horsepower , are you serious??? ...... whatever happened to the powerful engine I heard was going into this thing??? anyways that being said if Jeeps made reliable cars I would have bought one by now

[@lulolee5325]

And what brand makes reliable cars? Only Toyota? :)...

[@Montblanc1986]

Isn't this a dart chassis

[@TFLcar]

+Kazak Thranduil no

[@victorcreed8856]

Nope...it's basically an AWD Calibre

[@trenton.tchannel1810]

Captain Canuck i doubt they even have the platform of the caliber around considering that was before fiat took over

[@victorcreed8856]

Doesn't mean they don't utilize old platforms. The Challenger/Charger/300 is still based on the old E-Class platform from the Daimler days. The Compass/Patriot were based on the Calibre, I can't see that having changed.

[@ObamaTookMyCat]

No, the dart actually has a 3 inch longer wheelbase

[@RicViperskylogs]

Just buy a jeep

[@JuanNgtse]

for a 30k car, i wouldn't want to take offroad and scratch it up.

[@guyproulx1660]

Warning You should never venture too far off road with a shop queen unless you love walking

[@cowbalala]

guy proulx lol

[@TwinTurboToyota]

The 2.4 is a horrible engine. Put the 3.2 in it

[@caliboyrob]

still a POS and whats the need for the Compass, Renegade and the Cherokee???

[@toddbrown2574]

The engine is a POS. FCA is in hot water now.

[@edwu8253]

dont tell trump its gonna be mexican made, the price will go up

[@killajakez]

It's a front wheel drive platform with independent suspension. No thanks, my 2012 Jeep Liberty is better offroad.

[@jamesdoe5824]

Looks better than the newer cherokees lol

[@brianm6141]

Krap. built in Mexico. What a shame.

[@djb2366]

Just buy a Wrangler enough said... 😏

[@wegodown2010]

Drake Bond he has to show all the options for the woman even knowing the man will really buy a Wrangler

[@melvinarias1044]

Drake Bond if only it can get 25mpg i will buy a wrangler here is hoping for the 2018 to up the mpg

[@alexking4082]

+melvin arias Getting that kind of mpg in really difficult, if not impossible with solid axles front and rear. I just hope they keep all the grocery getters they've been building separate from the wranglers as much as possible. I'd love to see them redesign the Cherokee to be more like the old one with solid axles tho.

[@InfoumusMOBB]

for 30k for the trailhawk version I would much rather buy a wragler....25mpg in Vermont with that little N/A 2.4 will never be seen. the V6 (in the wragler) with more power works less and I would put money on it that in a state ware its all mountains they are very very close in Mpg's

[@kingelvis7035]

Dude... Wrangler MPG EPA Combined city/hwy 17 city 21 highway 18 combined 15000

[@iancraig5471]

Mudhawk? ....shithawk randy....its a shithawk!

[@MrRedskins0021]

Too bad Jeep isn't very reliable.

[@dean8067]

MrRedskins0021 they are fine