Jeep Compass 4x4: Off-Road Review

by Alex Braham 34 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Jeep Compass 4x4 and putting it through its paces off-road. If you're wondering whether this compact SUV can handle more than just city streets, you're in the right place. We're going to cover everything from its capabilities and features to real-world performance on some challenging trails. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Off-Road Prowess: What Makes the Jeep Compass 4x4 Special?

When it comes to off-road prowess, the Jeep Compass 4x4 might surprise you. It's not a Wrangler, but it's definitely more capable than your average compact SUV. The key lies in its four-wheel-drive system, which is designed to provide enhanced traction and control in slippery or uneven conditions. The Jeep Compass 4x4 comes standard with Jeep's Active Drive system, which can automatically switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive depending on the situation. This is great for everyday driving, as it helps to improve fuel efficiency, but it also gives you the confidence to tackle more challenging terrain when needed.

For those who want even more off-road capability, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is the way to go. The Trailhawk model features Jeep's Active Drive Low system, which includes a 20:1 crawl ratio for tackling steep inclines and obstacles. It also has a higher ride height, skid plates, and tow hooks, making it even more prepared for off-road adventures. With the Trailhawk, you also get Jeep's Selec-Terrain system, which allows you to choose from different driving modes, such as Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock. Each mode optimizes the vehicle's settings for the specific terrain, ensuring maximum traction and control.

Another factor that contributes to the Jeep Compass 4x4's off-road capability is its suspension system. The suspension is designed to provide a comfortable ride on the road, but it also has enough travel to handle uneven terrain. The Compass also has decent approach, departure, and breakover angles, which are important for clearing obstacles. Of course, it's not going to be able to tackle the same trails as a Wrangler or a Gladiator, but it can definitely hold its own on moderate trails.

In terms of features, the Jeep Compass 4x4 also offers a few things that can be helpful off-road. The available Hill Descent Control system helps to maintain a constant speed when descending steep hills, while the Hill Start Assist system prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline. These features can be especially useful for inexperienced off-roaders.

Real-World Off-Road Performance: How Does It Handle the Trails?

Okay, so we know what the Jeep Compass 4x4 is supposed to be capable of on paper, but how does it actually perform in the real world? To find out, we took it to some local trails and put it to the test. We started with some easy trails with mostly dirt and gravel surfaces. The Compass handled these trails with ease. The four-wheel-drive system provided plenty of traction, and the suspension soaked up the bumps and ruts without any problems. The Compass felt stable and confident, even when climbing steep hills.

Next, we moved on to some more challenging trails with rocks, mud, and water crossings. This is where the Jeep Compass 4x4 really started to shine. The Active Drive Low system in the Trailhawk model made it easy to crawl over rocks and navigate through muddy sections. The higher ride height and skid plates also came in handy, preventing us from getting hung up on obstacles. The Compass was surprisingly capable in the water crossings, thanks to its decent fording depth. Of course, we had to be careful to avoid any deep water or swift currents, but the Compass handled the shallower crossings without any issues.

One thing we noticed was that the Jeep Compass 4x4's tires were a limiting factor on some of the more challenging trails. The stock tires are designed for on-road use, so they didn't provide as much grip as we would have liked in the mud and rocks. If you're planning on doing a lot of off-roading, you might want to consider upgrading to some more aggressive tires.

Overall, we were impressed with the Jeep Compass 4x4's off-road performance. It's not a hardcore off-roader, but it's definitely capable enough for most people. It can handle moderate trails with ease, and it's even surprisingly capable on more challenging terrain. Just remember to choose the Trailhawk model if you want the most off-road capability, and consider upgrading the tires if you're planning on doing a lot of serious off-roading.

Features and Technology: What Else Does the Jeep Compass 4x4 Offer?

Beyond its off-road capabilities, the Jeep Compass 4x4 also offers a range of features and technology that make it a comfortable and convenient daily driver. The interior is well-designed and features quality materials. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there's plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Compass also comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trim levels offer even more features, such as a larger touchscreen display, a premium audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

In terms of safety, the Jeep Compass 4x4 comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can help to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. The Compass has also received good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Jeep Compass 4x4 is also relatively fuel-efficient, especially considering its off-road capabilities. The EPA estimates that it gets up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Of course, your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions, but the Compass is definitely not a gas guzzler.

Overall, the Jeep Compass 4x4 is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a good balance of off-road capability, comfort, and features. It's a great choice for people who want a compact SUV that can handle more than just city streets.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Jeep Compass 4x4

Let's break down the pros and cons of the Jeep Compass 4x4 to give you a clear picture of what you're getting:

Pros:

  • Capable Four-Wheel-Drive System: Provides enhanced traction and control in slippery or uneven conditions.
  • Trailhawk Model: Offers even more off-road capability with Active Drive Low, higher ride height, skid plates, and tow hooks.
  • Selec-Terrain System: Allows you to choose from different driving modes to optimize performance for various terrains.
  • Comfortable Interior: Well-designed with quality materials and comfortable seats.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment System: Includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
  • Advanced Safety Features: Such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
  • Relatively Fuel-Efficient: Gets up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

Cons:

  • Stock Tires: Can be a limiting factor on more challenging trails.
  • Not a Hardcore Off-Roader: Not as capable as a Wrangler or a Gladiator.
  • Can Be Pricey: Especially when equipped with all the bells and whistles.

Final Verdict: Is the Jeep Compass 4x4 Right for You?

So, is the Jeep Compass 4x4 the right vehicle for you? It depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a compact SUV that can handle moderate off-roading, the Compass is definitely worth considering. It offers a good balance of off-road capability, comfort, and features. However, if you're planning on doing a lot of serious off-roading, you might want to consider a more capable vehicle, such as a Wrangler or a Gladiator. And if you're on a tight budget, there are other compact SUVs that offer similar features for a lower price.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Jeep Compass 4x4 is right for you is to take it for a test drive. See how it handles on the road and off, and see if it meets your needs and expectations. And don't forget to compare it to other vehicles in its class to make sure you're making the best decision for you.

Happy trails, everyone!