5 changes that make the upcoming Jeep Compass Trailhawk SUV perfect for adventure seekers

Jeep India will launch a range topping version of the Compass SUV very soon. Its called the Trailhawk and gets a host of changes and additions over the current top-end trim, the Limited 4X4. As the name suggests, the Trailhawk is geared towards those who like to be armchair enthusiasts on weekdays and adventure seekers over weekends.

1. It looks meaner

   Gone is the chrome splashing that we see on the Limited version. The Trailhawk gets oodles of satin metallic black at both the ends. Even the Jeep badges are blacked out and the bonnet now houses a signature black vinyl. The same effect is seen across the entire length of the roof. The 17-inch alloys get a two tone finish and we love the body colored tow hooks – up at the front and one at the back. All in all, these changes go a long way in making the Compass look bad-ass.

2. The interiors

   While there are fewer changes on the inside, they are still worth a mention. The all-black theme works well, keeping in line with the exteriors and the black seats further get red stitching all around. You also noticed the embroidered Trailhawk badge that screams for its attention! The red theme is also seen at other places like the gear console, speedometer cluster and door panels.

3. Set for larger obstacles

   Ground clearance, water wading depth and approach / departure angles are very crucial for any SUV that is meant for trails. The Compass Trailhawk has a ground clearance of 198mm, up by 20mm over the current model. This combined with a higher set in-take gives it a water wading depth of 480mm, a good 75mm over the normal version.
   Changes in the bumper design and higher clearance also offers excellent approach and departure angles of 30.3 and 33.6 degrees, bettering the normal version’s 16.8 and 31.7 degrees respectively. You also get additional skid plates and under body protection.

4. Rocks and steep inclines

   The current Compass comes with Jeep’s Active Drive 4×4 system but misses out on two crucial aspects – a low ratio and a Rock mode. The Trailhawk gets both these added driver aids. The low ratio helps negotiate tough terrain without revving the engine too much (all that torque comes in easily) while the Rock mode in the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System is equally useful to literally crawl over rocks and big obstacles.

5. Better suspension and articulation

   To tackle weekend adventures and newly opened mountain passes of Ladakh, the Trailhawk comes equipped with a better suspension set-up. The shock absorbers are heavy duty to take on the extra beating and even the wheel articulation is better to make sure all the wheels are on the ground as much as possible.

   The Jeep Compass Trailhawk will be positioned over the Limited variant but does offer a lot extra in terms of bang for your buck. SUVs are supposed to look somewhat hard-core and muscular and the Trailhawk manages do that both on and off the road.