2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk - Complete Review | TestDriveNow

The term SUV gets thrown around pretty liberally these days and in the compact class there aren't many you'd really trust off-road. But Jeep's Trailhawk models are different. With more ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles and advanced 4-wheel drive systems, models like this all-new Compass can be specified with the tools to take you farther.
2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk TestDriveNow Video Review By Auto Critic Steve Hammes.
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Welcome to TestDriveNow official KZbin channel! I deliver trusted, top-rated popular car reviews on cars like the Honda Accord, Audi s5, Dodge Durango, Subaru Crosstrek and more! TestDriveNow.com features Drive Time with Steve Hammes offering video program segments showcasing the newest vehicles and industry innovations coming to market.
2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk - Complete Review | TestDriveNow
• 2017 Jeep Compass Trai...
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/ stevehammes

[@stevehammes]

I promise you, in the nearly 20 years I've been critiquing cars I've never given you anything but my honest opinion - I have no reason to play favorites. The OEMs and my viewers respect that. To do this job any other way would be fraudulent.

[@petayV8]

TestDriveNow Reviews by Auto Critic Steve Hammes Fantastic 👍 your one of the best out there hands down, keep it up Steve

[@stevehammes]

Thanks. Appreciate it.

[@CM-jm6ui]

TestDriveNow Reviews by Auto Critic Steve Hammes can you test drive a kia k900 i've rarely seen any reviews of this vehicle since it has been out

[@TdotSoul]

I have a Compass Trailhawk - While I agree with some of what you said, I feel you were probably a bit harsh in your criticisms of the Compass' obvious shortcomings, and here's why. All my previous vehicles were stick, and I always had a bit of a lead foot. Previous vehicles included a 1995 Cavalier, a 2007 Mazda 3, and a 2003 Honda Accord, all 5-speed manual. All that to say, I'm accustomed to the responsiveness of a stick, and switching over to an automatic has been a bit of an adjustment. I will agree with you that the transmission seems to be programmed for fuel efficiency, and sometimes (ok, maybe fairly often) does not seem to know what gear to get into, onceyou get the hang of the tip-tronic feature it becomes apparent that it is moreso the programming and less so the actual gearing, because it is relatively zippy off the line (though you do have to anticipate gear shift delay even in tip-tronic). So basically, what I'm saying here is that power is not so much the problem, 181hp is pretty competitive in the naturally aspirated 4-cylinder compact crossover segment. It's more to to with the transmission, and even more so the transmission programming. I've certainly driven worse - the 2016 Corolla with the CVT was one of the most awful cars I ever drove, and my parents 2007 Kia Rio5, though better than the Corolla by far would be no match for the compass. It is by no means a fast car, but you don't buy a car like this for speed, and it's certainly competent enough on the road. I've had many passengers remark on how nicely it drives, and I tend to agree! Especially considering its off-road ability, it is a really nice highway cruiser, and it's fine around the city. I have found that as someone who only drove manual cars before, this is a compromise I have more than been able to live with without regrets. My biggest complaint would be the fuel efficiency, or moreso the vast difference between city and highway driving. The best fuel mileage I ever got was 28 mpg, and that was a 4 hour drive along country roads going about 50 - 60 mph. For regular use though, which is usually a good mix of suburban and highway driving, I get about 21 mpg, and if I drive more in the city, I get 18. I'm usually able to get just over 300 miles on a tank. If I hit a lot of traffic, I can get as little a 220 miles, and the most I ever saw, and it's only happened a couple times, I got almost 500 miles. My Mazda 3 regularly got 430 miles.

[@usernameisusername]

Brutal honesty. Didn't think you could be that negative and still get access to press cars. Good to know :) . That made me trust your reviews even more.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Steve. Your honesty is what keeps me coming back.

[@lancelane217]

Love the review Steve! To be honest, I never have looked at this particular model as a true bonafide Jeep, but your review of the vary capable off road abilities is making me rethink that.

[@benhaze1010]

Thank you for the honest review.

[@elliottmanning4116]

It doesn't matter. It's a compact crossover. People are going to buy them regardless. The smaller Renegade, and larger Cherokee have a similar 9 speed auto/4 cylinder engine layout and I see them everywhere.

[@stevehammes]

Elliott Manning The lighter, smaller Renegade and V6-powered Cherokee Trailhawk are both far more satisfying to drive than this.

[@robtv6554]

Had 2012 Grand Cherokee even though it's the flagship luxury brand for Jeep it wasn't great on road (sure might still be better than the Compass) but it was great whenever I took off road

[@xenith5003]

I was looking at this pretty hard. Your review is much appreciated

[@TJC450]

MGTOW it's still worth a test drive and remember you may not feel the same way he does

[@stevehammes]

True.

[@canto_v12]

MGTOW check out the real car anyway. Car reviews are good to point out what you should look out for, but nothing can replace feeling the actual product in person.

[@TdotSoul]

I've had one for a year now! Don't regret it!

[@XHobbiesPrime]

I had been looking at this or the Renegade Trailhawk. I liked the larger size but preferred the Renegade's more Jeep-ish look. The fact that the Compass is so underpowered with the tigershark is a big consideration.

[@labbeaj]

Xombiticus Its not under powered... test drive it!

[@XHobbiesPrime]

You are right, I should test drive it before I spout stuff like that. I REALLY wish they made a Renegade with the size of the Compass. That would be perfect.

[@labbeaj]

Xombiticus I have one and it's a beast! The engine is fine and not underpowered at all!

[@TdotSoul]

I wouldn't call it underpowered - I have one, and sure, it's not fast, but it's certainly competent. For a little context, my last two cars were a Honda Accord 5-spd manual, and a Mazda 3 5-spd manual, and I while I miss driving stick, this hasn't been bad enough to make me regret it.

[@khunopie9159]

Another best-of-breed review Steve. You and MotorWeek have always offered the most professional and polished car videos. It irks me that there are some relative newcomer reviewers that are getting massive views but I find unwatchable For most people who get this Jeep, and don't off-road in it, perhaps different tires and a performance tune would fix its road manners?

[@stevehammes]

Perhaps the lighter non-Trailhawk models drive differently?

[@khunopie9159]

Thanks bro. I never considered the obvious. During summers while in college I was in sales at a Jeep dealership, back in the mid-late 80s. My product knowledge is waning

[@labbeaj]

So many negative comments and yet, I would assume no personal experience... lol Just got one of these and It's rugged enough to handle harsh New England roads and won't break any suspensions like in these crap cars out there... And it's not underpowered at all! Maybe if you are looking for a Corvette or mustang?

[@stusilver6841]

Yeah really it's not a track hawk dummies!!!

[@mpsangha]

I'm kinda disappointed you only got to drive the trailhawk. IMHO this trim a niche car that has more offroad tech than the average owner will need. I honestly wish you got a well equipped latitude to test (a trim above from the base sport). The 17x7 wheels are not too big to compromise ride quality (like the Limited) and they're wider than the trailhawks skinnier tire that are made for offroad ability. All reviews of the latitude​ I've seen have touted it's vinyl/cloth seats and it's composed ride. It's the trim to get with the compass, the limited gets pricey with options and the ride suffers with the big wheel sizes. The trailhawk, like you mentioned is not as nice to drive on road due to it's offroad upgrades. The latitude solves all these issues and comes in thousands cheaper than the TH and limited. Though I may be a bit bias, I have a 2018 latitude on order for my mother.

[@stevehammes]

There certainly might be notable differences between Trailhawk and other trims. I loved driving this off-road but there's too much compromise here to be a well-rounded SUV.

[@ivanaragon_]

Manpreet Singh q

[@adityakrishnamd2314]

I don't know about US but in India it's a game changer.Superb built quality and perfectly tuned 2.0 L Multijet Diesel with 6 speed manual, it's a gem.With just 2 months the booking crossed 10k and about 40k enquiry it's literally eating up the market.Yes ofcourse it is only because of made in India quality and the price.Over 90% of the vehicle is bulid by robot,so it is well built almost feel"Built like a tank" philosophy.Its truly is one of the most desired car in India.

[@stevehammes]

It's a global product and each market has its own expectations and standards.

[@chrisdblue]

This is sad. I had high hopes for this jeep. If it was consumer reports saying this, I wouldn't listen cause everyone knows they are biased as fuck. But I trust steve's opinion.

[@scottvilleneuve5985]

Agree with the takes on this for sure. ;)

[@stevehammes]

You would know!

[@matt34003434]

If they would just update the powertrain to a more powerful force induction motor this would be a much better vehicle. The 2.4 in it now is a complete dog here in Colorado at 6500ft elevation.

[@labbeaj]

matt34003434 It romps in New England!

[@TdotSoul]

I can understand up there, but it's powerful enough near sea level

[@samuelmariasebastine1773]

Nice review

[@steeeeeeve9173]

I'm guessing you'd definitely pick the Renegade Trailhawk over the Compass Trailhawk, then?

[@stevehammes]

I would!

[@jamesseaver6326]

love this guy , tells the truth, honest and i wish he designed it ,, wake up jeep your wasting our time,, againnn

[@TJC450]

I'm not sure what FCA can do about the engine.... maybe toss in the 3.6 or a small diesel ?? Tranny can be fixed with software updates. Sounds like they spent a tad too much time on the off-road part than the on road. Which was the opposite for the last compass. However, I still think it's a good looking Jeep.

[@76carmel]

TJC450 Perhaps the 3.2L V6 that is available in the Cherokee.

[@rjc-ii]

Billy Sou The Cherokee and Compass are already to close in size/price so I'm guessing they'll just leave the V6 for the Cherokee. $34,000 is pretty steep for an SUV with this engine though

[@76carmel]

Agree. And remember the Trailhawk is a niche option, but I see very many Trailhawk variants of Cherokees where I live.

[@fordfiveohh]

Well first of all it doesn't start in first gear... It starts in 2nd....

[@sycodad4483]

So how can you call this trail rated when you can not even get a real trail tire for it? Don't get much response from jeep. they just say we will void your warranty if you put a bigger tire on it. 1500 miles on my 2018 trailhawk and I am ready to get rid of it.

[@stevehammes]

That's lousy. Sorry to hear that. Land Rover made the same mistake with the new Discovery...no off-road tire available. Didn't even think of it when I produced this review.

[@Tully3674]

Wow! The most harsh review I've heard on just about any vehicle in a looong time. Nice to hear a reviewer not sugar-coat his opinion.

[@pedrofernandez3893]

Steve never does, he tells it like it is, that is what makes him so good at his job.

[@OldGrowthRedwood]

Steve is full of soup! Bought the Trailhawk Compass in July. Love the way it rides and handles. I get a kick out of "underpowered"'. Speed limit in most towns 25-35 mph. No problem doing 75 on highway. Does he want to drag race? And yes, there is power to pass on the highway .

[@labbeaj]

OldGrowthRedwood I agree! I almost didn't buy it because of these reviews and comments!!! But I thought for myself, and test drove it and realized it has more power than needed!

[@IWeasel]

I’m sorry this doesn’t do this for me I’ll probably get the Cherokee or either Grand Cherokee I’m not sure yet

[@76carmel]

I wonder how a non-Trail Hawk Compass be done on-road, it may be better, but I have to believe the handling of the Jeep would be similar as what Steve has said. The way Steve describes this Compass is as a FWD version of the Wrangler. See a previous review on this channel. He sees this as a "uni-tasker". Want an all-around Jeep with the Trail Hawk badge?... the Renegade and Cherokee would be the better options. But still, it's a better Compass, but it still has FCA reliability gremlins.

[@stevehammes]

I'll try another trim and see. But I agree, the Renegade and Cherokee Trailhawks are far more impressive.

[@TdotSoul]

Really? The Renegade?

[@gp16524]

Great review. I agree, off-roading is fine with this vehicle but the power for acceleration is terrible around town and even scary on the highway ... good look trying to accelerate and pass anyone.

[@nigelrowe2204]

It's like any vehicle - I've gone from a 200bhp auto vehicle to this at 170bhp (the UK 1.4 auto petrol) and it's not disppointed on all roads including rural hilly ones near home or a motorway run to London and back. It has a very relaxing manner and the auto suits my driving condotions. It's also not to wide so nipping through gaps in the commute is of benefit.

[@jamesseaver6326]

T his vehicle has great lines, remember the 9 speed is what jeep is period, there fault and there fault alone..

[@zachg9065]

Once again FCA manages to build another subpar vehicle. What a shame.

[@TdotSoul]

You ever drive it?

[@labbeaj]

It's quick and zippy, very nimble around corners, handles potholes and crumbling roads,smooth ride, steering is spot on and easy...

[@adrianharvey3908]

I think jeep had a good idea and then dropped the ball..u sed very underpowered smh...thatll turned alot of people around..i know i would

[@edgardoamado7008]

If I could combine the looks of jeeps ..... with the reliability of a toyota or Honda ......that would be the perfect car

[@TdotSoul]

It's been reliable in my experience. 40,000 miles and no issues.

[@Lord_ofcinder]

its quite reliable....dont know why the hate

[@pedrofernandez3893]

This is why Subaru continues to increase market share for this segment. FCA keeps missing the mark!

[@stusilver6841]

What you think it was going to be a track hawk, keep dreaming