2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk test drive review

The compact SUV segment is possibly the most crowded market in the industry. Trying to find a standout can be difficult, especially if you’re looking for something with some legitimate off-road prowess. Enter the 2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk. We were initially skeptical if the Compass would make an impression, but our doubts were silenced.

The Compass has been around for a while, but it’s now better than ever with a more powerful and efficient engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and some technology upgrades. The Trailhawk comes ready for rougher roads, earning the Trail Rated designation from Jeep. It should have no issue getting you over some moderately challenging terrain while being an excellent daily driver. Shop 2023 Jeep Compass models.

Price and value

If the Compass does have a weakness, it’s that its price quickly gets bloated the more options you select. The MSRP range for the 2023 Jeep Compass is $28,400-$39,235, but our tester topped out at $46,290 including destination, and the Trailhawk isn’t even the top trim. It is available in seven trim levels, with a suite of standard features that includes all-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 200 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below. 

• Sport: $28,400  See listings

17-inch painted aluminum wheels 

Advanced safety suite

10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Latitude: $32,890  See listings

Premium cloth and vinyl bucket seats 

Keyless entry

Gloss black mirror caps with heating

• Latitude Lux: $34,390  See listings

18-inch painted satin carbon wheels

Heated leather-trimmed front seats and steering wheel 

Adaptive cruise control

• Altitude: $34,785  See listings

18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels 

Two-tone gloss black roof

Piano-black interior accents

• Limited: $35,743  See listings

18-inch diamond-cut aluminum wheels 

Rain sensing windshield wipers

ParkSense rear park assist

• Trailhawk: $36,490  See listings

17-inch wheels

Underbody skid plates

Hill descent control 

• (RED): $38,335  See listings

19-inch granite wheels

Redline body color roof and lower trim

Neutral gray grille rings, roof rails and window trim

• High Altitude: $39,235  See listings

Premium LED projector headlamps with automatic high beam functionality

LED taillamps and fog lamps

Dual-pane panoramic sunroof

Our Trailhawk came loaded, and while it was nice to have some features, we probably would have gone without a few options to bring the price down. The Trailhawk trim adds some nice capability, as well as functional and aesthetic styling cues.  Altogether, it's a reasonable value for those needing something somewhat rugged, yet daily drivable, without getting into a more dedicated off-road vehicle.

Jeep’s warranty is on par with the rest of the segment, including a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also includes three years of complimentary maintenance. Shop 2023 Jeep Compass models.

Performance 

Don’t be dissuaded by the Trailhawk’s subdued compact SUV roots — this one brings a surprising punch on and off the road. Every Compass is powered by the same new engine and transmission which, when coupled with the Trailhawk's off-road features, makes it extremely versatile.

Engine

Let’s get this out of the way: the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder can sound a bit wheezy and gravely at times. But, sound aside, this engine scoots the Compass along with adequate pep. Its 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque are just enough to feel confident with. If you’re into off-roading, you’ll be especially pleased with the torquey low end that will carry you up the mountain.

Fuel efficiency 

When we say versatile, we mean it. Just because the Trailhawk is slightly lifted and wears all-terrain tires doesn’t mean it’s not an efficient daily driver. Our week of testing yielded about 26 mpg in combined driving and just over 30 mpg on the highway.

Drivetrain 

Jeep has fitted the 2.0-liter turbo with a traditional 8-speed automatic — no dual-clutch or continuously variable transmissions here. It shifts well and intuitively and features a low speed “Crawler” ratio that keeps the engine in first gear, sending power to whatever wheels need it most.

The all-wheel-drive system works great, too. We had the chance to take the Compass out on some snowy days, and it felt confident and well planted while traversing the slick terrain. We imagine it would do wonders as a winter commuter and ski slope vehicle.

Acceleration and handling

It’s not particularly fast, but the engine does feel up to the various tasks you throw at it. Car and Driver clocked it at 7.5 seconds from 0-60 mph. As for handling, the Compass Trailhawk always felt well-controlled and more agile and planted than its shape might suggest. Again, the Compass surprised us.

Braking

Braking felt natural and progressive. Automated emergency braking is standard. Shop 2023 Jeep Compass models.

Interior comfort and convenience 

The Compass interior was a nice place to spend time. With excellent materials, comfortable seats, easy ingress and egress and impressive room for passengers, the Compass checks almost all the boxes for a compact SUV.

Seats

The front seats were comfortable and accommodating. The premium leather felt nice and smelled even better. The rear seats were high off the ground and felt supportive, even for taller passengers. The heating and ventilation features of the front seats also worked well.

Climate control

The dual-zone climate controls worked well, with enough physical buttons to satisfy screen weary occupants. The heating worked well on cold days.

Cargo space and cabin storage 

Though its boxy shape may suggest ample cargo room, it’s not particularly spacious. We were able to stow a normal sized load of groceries just fine, but if hauling a lot of gear is what you need, you may need to look elsewhere.

Infotainment system

The 10.1-inch infotainment screen with its Uconnect 5 system was easy to use and offered sharp resolution and camera quality. The premium Alpine stereo sounded good, but we’d recommend forgoing it as it’s part of an option group costing $2,580. Shop 2023 Jeep Compass models.

Exterior appearance and functionality 

If you’re interested in a Compass, it’s hard to consider anything but the Trailhawk, if just for the visual upgrades alone. The slight lift, all-terrain tires, tow hooks and other visual cues make the trim stand out. It’s a good looking SUV, with just enough off-road spice to make it special.

Towing capacity

The Compass is not meant for towing. It is rated for a maximum of 2,000 pounds.

Wheels

The Trailhawk gets off-road appropriate 17-inch gloss black wheels shod with all-terrain tires. The thicker sidewall setup contributed to a softer ride, and the tires performed well on cold, snowy mornings.

Lights and turn signals

The Trailhawk, when equipped with the Trailhawk Elite Group, adds full exterior LED lighting. It works well, offering excellent illumination. Turn signals were likewise bright and impossible to miss.

Cameras and side mirrors 

We always appreciate 360-degree cameras, and the ones in the compass are top-notch. They offer high resolution and multiple views, making parking and climbing terrain a breeze. Visibility is about on par with most other boxy SUVs. Shop 2023 Jeep Compass models.

Safety

The Compass is one of the safest compact SUVs you can buy. With high crash test ratings and a long list of modern safety features, you’ll be well protected in an accident.

Features

Our loaded Trailhawk came with an abundance of safety features, including:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality

• Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic detection

• Drowsy driver detection

• Forward collision warning plus

• Lane keep assist

For a full list of safety features, click here.

Awards and ratings

The 2022 Jeep Compass earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Final impression

The 2023 Jeep Compass was a surprise. It exceeded our expectations in almost every way and has an endearing quality to it that some other compact SUVs lack. It’s good qualities sneak up on you, and the more you drive it, the more you like it. If you don’t require much cargo space, the Compass Trailhawk is a solid buy — especially if you like to get off the beaten path once in a while. 

Other SUVs might steal the limelight, but that doesn’t mean the Compass Trailhawk isn’t worth your consideration. It can get pricey once you start adding options — you might need to exercise some restraint — but the Trailhawk packs a lot into what you’re paying.

As for trim recommendations, we would go with our tester, the Trailhawk. It represents a good combination of luxury, comfort and genuine off-road capability — and it looks cool to boot. Find yourself a Jeep Compass on KSL Cars.

FAQs

Is the Jeep Compass fun to drive? 

The 2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is not going to get your blood pumping. However, it is engaging and enjoyable to drive. We enjoyed its confident handling and steering, as well as its overall planted and sure-footed nature.

Is it good for families?

Yes and no. It’s a decent car for running errands with two or three of your kids, but should you need a lot of cargo space, you’ll be disappointed. It’s a comfortable car, with plenty of space for occupants, just don’t expect to haul a lot of your gear with you.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the board of directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com