Light Work of Hard Trails

The Compass Trailhawk is the most o -road-ready SUV in Jeep’s Compass line-up. We put it to the test

- Anosh Khumbatta

THE JEEP COMPASS HAS BEEN THE American brand’s best-selling product in the Indian market since its launch in 2017. With SUVs steadily gaining popularity, the Compass’ winning combination of rugged looks, upmarket interior, and an attractive price tag has won many hearts over the last three years. however, like most modern SUVs, the Compass has evolved into a comfortable soft-roader — ideal for daily use, whether in the city or out on the highway — and remains completely unbothered by the worst potholes and speed-breakers.

The standard two-wheel-drive Compass can easily take on dirt and gravel roads, and while the 4x4 variant ensures that you won’t find yourself stuck in the mud, the SUV still doesn’t imbibe Jeep’s legendary go-anywhere off-road capabilities. and that is why Jeep India went ahead and launched the Compass trailhawk. this is an SUV that can head off the beaten path as you explore the countryside over the weekends, clamber over rocks, wade through streams, and get you out of the stickiest of situations while retaining impeccable road manners for the daily drive to work. I did get to spend some time with the trailhawk and experience its all-round capabilities at the launch last year, and Jeep recently loaned us one for a few days to get to know the SUV better.