Jeep Compass Trailhawk vs. Latitude

1. Introduction

Both of these Jeep variants are of the same build. Both can accommodate up to five passengers and are in the same class of cars. Some interesting fact is Compass is claimed to have 173 horsepower that moves the Sport, Latitude, and Limited models but surprisingly comes with more 2 horsepower in the Trailhawk model. Both Compass latitude and Trailhawk also have a 2.4 liter l4 engine with 9 Speed Automatic transmission. Even though both car looks almost identical, one detail give strong evidence that Compass Trailhawk is more off-road oriented variant. The detail is their tire size, Compass Latitude comes with a 225/60R17 tire that is good for any kind of road condition and also for off-road but Trailhawk comes with a 215/65R12 Highway tire and also provide a bigger all terrain tire. On the safety aspect, Compass also has the same safety features like Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Lock 4-Wheel-Disc Brakes, All Speed Traction Control and the last is Electronic Roll Mitigation. Both Variants also have the same fuel efficiency which is 23mpg for city, 32mpg on highway and 26mpg on combined condition. But as a more off-road oriented variant, Compass Trailhawk gives easier control for the driver with a convenient 4WD lock switch which is making it easier for the driver to engage or disengage four-wheel drive. Both of these Jeep variants are of the same build. Both can accommodate up to five passengers and are in the same class of cars. Some interesting fact is Compass is claimed to have 173 horsepower that moves the Sport, Latitude, and Limited models but surprisingly comes with more 2 horsepower in the Trailhawk model. Both Compass latitude and Trailhawk also have a 2.4 liter l4 engine with 9 Speed Automatic transmission. Even though both car looks almost identical, one detail give strong evidence that Compass Trailhawk is more off-road oriented variant. The detail is their tire size, Compass Latitude comes with a 225/60R17 tire that is good for any kind of road condition and also for off-road but Trailhawk comes with a 215/65R12 Highway tire and also provide a bigger all terrain tire. On the safety aspect, Compass also has the same safety features like Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Lock 4-Wheel-Disc Brakes, All Speed Traction Control and the last is Electronic Roll Mitigation. Both Variants also have the same fuel efficiency which is 23mpg for city, 32mpg on highway and 26mpg on combined condition. But as a more off-road oriented variant, Compass Trailhawk gives easier control for the driver with a convenient 4WD lock switch which is making it easier for the driver to engage or disengage four-wheel drive.

1.1 Overview of Jeep Compass Trailhawk

The Trail Rated Badge was another must-have that made the Trailhawk the dominant choice out of the lineup," said Scott. Engine: "I ultimately chose the Trailhawk because it came with the only powertrain I was considering—the 2.4L Tigershark with the 9-speed ZF automatic. "I had a terrible experience with a 2014 Cherokee Sport (friend's vehicle) that came with the base transmission. I avoid CVTs because you have to mash the gas pedal to get any real response out of them and they feel unrefined. I've always liked the simplicity and durability of traditional automatics. The 2.4L and the 9-speed transmission is most effectively paired in the Trailhawk due to its greater overall weight needing the extra power, and it's the smoothest engine/transmission combo in my opinion. Step-in power is better, and it doesn't feel as underpowered, buzzy, or overworked as the 2.4L in other models."

1.2 Overview of Jeep Compass Latitude

The Compass Latitude is the more street-biased model in the Compass lineup. It slots between the Sport and offroad-oriented Trailhawk models. Front-wheel drive is standard and Jeep Active Drive 4x4 system is optional. Exterior features include halogen projector headlamps and LED taillamps, a black roof, bright side roof rails and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Get it in 11 colours (two of these are exclusive to the Limited model). The interior features a variety of available fabrics, colours and options with the popular equipment group adding a power driver's seat, 7-inch colour display, dual zone climate control, remote start, an all-important for Canadians heated steering wheel and heated front seats plus lots more. Safety features include electronic stability control with roll mitigation, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, all-speed traction control and multiple advanced airbag features. The Compass Latitude is available with two packages. A high altitude package and the Altitude edition. Both add a very premium design to the vehicle with many blacked out and dark accents to the vehicle plus other premium features inside.

2. Performance Comparison

The Compass Trailhawk's 9-speed automatic transmission is slightly different from the Compass Latitude's. It's more refined, and Jeep claims it brings a 'unique calibration' ensuring the transmission performs to its full ability during on and off-road use. A more reliable and durable transmission is a huge benefit to those using the Compass as a towing vehicle. The Compass Latitude's transmission is the standard equipment for the Compass model, and as a result, it does not have these additional benefits.

The Compass Trailhawk puts out 180 horsepower at 6400 RPM and 175 lb-ft of torque at 3900 RPM. The Trailhawk is the off-road trim level made specifically for the Compass, and so the engine has been optimized for low torque. The result is more usable power from fewer engine revolutions per minute, which provides a fuel efficiency benefit as well as a smoother drive. The Latitude, on the other hand, outputs 180 horsepower but at a lower 6400 RPM. The torque is a fair bit less, however, at 175 lb-ft at 3900 RPM. This is more of a general-travel vehicle tune, and these figures are better suited to on-road driving. An equal power-to-weight ratio of 22.62 on both models means there is no real advantage to using one model over the other in regard to power.

When it comes to performance, the most important aspect of an SUV is its engine specifications. The Compass Trailhawk and Compass Latitude both come with a 2.4L I4 engine. The engine uses the MultiAir2 Tigershark technology and comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This is where both models' similarities end.

2.1 Engine Specifications

Both come with the class-exclusive Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 system which features a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range for Trailhawk model. But the similarities end there. The Compass Latitude gets by with a reasonable 181 mm of ground clearance, 8.2 inches of water fording ability, and modest approach/departure/breakover angles of 16.8/31.7/22.9 degrees. This is enough to handle rough cottage roads, deep snow, and mild off-road trails. But it falls short of the Trailhawk, which features a one-inch higher off-road suspension, skid plates, and aggressive 17-inch off-road tires. The Trailhawk offers a more robust 216 mm of ground clearance, best-in-class 482 mm water fording, and drastically improved approach/departure/breakover angles of 30.4/24.4/33.6, which are crucial for getting through tougher trails and obstacles. The key differentiating factor is Trailhawk's exclusive Rock mode within the Selec-Terrain traction control system, which maximizes traction and throttle while providing more direct steering to aid the driver while traversing rocky terrain. The additional capability ensures that Trailhawk is suitable for those who live in rural areas or places with unpredictable weather and road conditions.

The engine is the heart of a vehicle and one of the main deciding factors. The Compass Trailhawk and the Compass Latitude come with a 2.4-liter I4 Multiair engine. This delivers a healthy 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available with a six-speed manual, but we expect most auto buyers will choose the optional 9-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has a rather wide gear ratio spread that helps the car accelerate quickly from a standstill and climb up to freeway cruising speed with minimal fuss. We hope that the Compass will eventually offer a diesel or a higher output engine option in the near future, for those who want even more power and capability.

2.2 Off-Road Capabilities

Jeep says that the Compass is the "most capable compact SUV" and for good reason. The Trailhawk is an off-road monster and ranks high with other Jeep offerings. It is very clear after this adventure that the Compass Latitude is a great vehicle on road, but once it leaves the pavement, it simply cannot keep up with its Trailhawk counterpart.

However, the real crux of the comparison was with the different 4WD systems on each vehicle. The Trailhawk runs Jeep's Active Drive Low 4x4 system, which has a fully disconnecting rear axle and a 20:1 gear reduction in addition to 4WD Low. This makes the Trailhawk almost unstoppable and gives it a huge advantage over the competitors in its class. Aiding this system are the Trailhawk's specific off-road settings for the Selec-Terrain system, which include Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock modes. This allows adjustments to the traction control, transmission, and other systems for optimal performance. We had to engage the Rock mode when the trial became very difficult, and it noticeably outperformed the standard 4WD system on the Latitude, which has no low range and only one mode in Selec-Terrain.

The Trailhawk has good approach and departure angles at 30 and 34.6 degrees respectively. Contrast that to the Latitude with only 16.8 and 31.7 degrees. The Trailhawk cleared steep ledges with ease while the Latitude made us cringe as the underbody contacted regularly. Clearance is another area in which the Trailhawk outshines its counterpart with an extra 1.5 inches. The Latitude's 7.8 inches of clearance was disappointing in areas with large rocks, and the Trailhawk with 9.3 inches of clearance barely flinched on any obstacle.

The off-roading nature of the Compass brought us to the Harsh off-road trail. As the terrain got rougher, the Compass Trailhawk took over. We expected it to be the better performer, but the degree that it outshined the Latitude was astonishing.

2.3 Fuel Efficiency

The Trailhawk carries a Tigershark® 2.4L I4 engine. This has a MultiAir2 valve train system that enhances combustion efficiency and keeps consumption down. This engine can produce up to 129 kW of power and 229 Nm of torque. All Jeep Compass models now come with the class-exclusive Jeep® Active Drive Low 4x4 System. This system is recommended for those who intend to take their vehicle off-road and contains a 20:1 crawl ratio and low maintenance costs, although it does sacrifice a bit of fuel efficiency compared to the less-capable Jeep® Active Drive 4x4 System on the Latitude. Optional as a turbo-diesel and the engine used for the new Upland model is the 2.0L I4 Multijet2 Turbo Diesel engine, which is said to provide an even better 125 kW/350 Nm and improved fuel efficiency.

Modern vehicles are often judged on their performance, largely based on acceleration and top-speed statistics. However, with modern warfare now being fought in far-off lands, areas of operation (O.A.O) where great distances or poor infrastructure are a factor, need to be considered. The wartime relevance of the Jeep in various conflicts was partly due to its superiority in O.A.O compared to captured Axis vehicles. This attribute carries over largely unchanged to modern Jeeps, with a sacrifice in acceleration-based performance for significantly better fuel efficiency and off-road capability.

3. Features and Technology

Both the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Latitude are equipped with technology and features that take the driving experience to the next level. Inside the Compass Trailhawk, drivers get the luxury of included heated front seats and a digital tachometer. Those who opt for the Compass Latitude will get cloth and vinyl high back bucket seats. Auto fans might enjoy the Latitude's UCONNECT touch screen add-on as well. Both vehicles include Bluetooth audio, voice command with Bluetooth, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The Trailhawk and Latitude might as well be twins in terms of interior capabilities. Safety and security features are also nearly identical in both the Trailhawk and Latitude. Both vehicles are constructed with the same anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes and all-speed traction control. Drivers and passengers can feel secure with the front, driver, and passenger airbags as well as the front and rear side curtain airbags. The Latitude does offer an optional electronic stability control system that is not included in the Trailhawk's package. An obvious winner in affordability, this could be the edge that pushes safety-conscious car buyers from the Trailhawk to the Latitude. Both vehicles also include a ParkView Rear Back-up Camera and Remote Keyless/Illuminated Entry. Features that spoil the driver can be found standard on the Trailhawk and Latitude. This includes, but is not limited to, the Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, the Power 8-way driver seat, and 4-way power lumbar adjuster. Step into the rear of either vehicle and you'll find that both the Latitude and Trailhawk include a 60/40 folding seat and a floor that's ultra easy to clean thanks to the available reversible rear/seat cargo mat. From the inside out, both the Compass Trailhawk and Latitude spoil drivers and deliver a ride that's about as comfortable as it gets.

3.1 Interior Features

The rest of the differences discussed are options and probably not the first thing that would decide which model to choose. The first option, which is standard on the Trailhawk, is the power 8-way driver seat with 4-way power lumbar adjust. This seat is quite a bit more adjustable than the standard Latitude power 6-way seat. This is followed by a few different options, including memory settings for the driver seat and exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 115V auxiliary power outlet. All of these features are available on both Jeep models. The final two interior features are the available Remote Start and Keyless Enter 'n Go. These are obviously convenient features to have in extreme temperatures and are definitely nice to have on both of these vehicles.

The interior of both is spacious and comfortable for the most part. Both come with a 60/40 split folding rear seat and have a good amount of cargo room. One neat feature is the adjustable rear cargo floor. This can be moved up and down to make room for certain items or to keep them hidden. This is handy for items that you do not want lying in the trunk.

Both interiors of the two Jeeps are spacious, comfortable, and identical for the most part. However, there are a few key features that differentiate the two. The Latitude comes standard with a cloth interior, where the Trailhawk has a leather/cloth mix. The leather/cloth combo is only optional on the Latitude. The Trailhawk also has red stitching on the seats and the Trailhawk logo on the seatbacks. This little touch definitely adds to the aesthetics of the interior. When considering the climate where you live or are planning on using the car, the Trailhawk comes standard with heated front seats. These are an option on the Latitude. The final key feature is the dual-pane sunroof that also comes standard on the Trailhawk. This sunroof is larger and more visually appealing than the standard sunroof that the Latitude offers. In general, all of these features add to the interior of the Trailhawk and make it, in my opinion, just a tad above the Latitude in terms of comfort.

3.2 Safety Features

Both models include the standard safety features that come in all Jeep Compass vehicles. These standard safety features include Multistage advanced front airbag and supplemental side curtain airbags, front and rear crush zones, 4-wheel Anti-lock disc power brakes, child protection rear door locks, Electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist, trailer sway damping, speed control, and a tire pressure monitoring warning lamp. The Trailhawk model equips a rearview auto-dim mirror, remote start, and a security alarm as its extra added safety features, while the Latitude model does not have extra features according to the Jeep website. This adds up to a total of 54 safety and security features in the Trailhawk compared to the 50 safety and security features in the Latitude. Overall, both models have a high level of safety features and are rated compact SUV top safety picks, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2017. This gauges these models as having good levels of occupant protection in a small overlap front crash and a moderate overlap front crash.

3.3 Infotainment System

The Compass Trailhawk and Latitude are identical in this regard, with both models being equipped with an 8.4-inch UConnect touch screen. This comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GPS Navigation built-in. The device is simple to use with a wide range of features. It offers a clean and crisp display with accompanying control buttons that are easy to function. The addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is something that potential buyers would appreciate in this day and age, as your phone essentially becomes a navigation tool. This is a contrast to older GPS systems where regular map updates were required with large fees, and the GPS itself often lacked user-friendliness. UConnect has a quick start-up time, and it is easy to switch between all applications. The UConnect system's response is great as there is no delay when pressing the screen or buttons. This is in contrast to many newer vehicles that are equipped with poorly responsive touch screens. Both models have 6 speakers and an audio jack for radio and audio streaming. A removable wireless speaker is also available for the Trailhawk and Latitude.