Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · Jeep Compass Research
Every Compass has 4x4, but only the Trailhawk is Trail Rated. It adds a low-range 4x4 system, a Rock mode, a 1-in lift, all-terrain tires and underbody protection. Here is what each piece does and how the Trailhawk compares with the rest of the lineup.
| Compass Trailhawk | Latitude, Latitude Altitude, Limited, Limited Altitude | |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4 system | Jeep Active Drive Low, 20:1 crawl ratio, Hill Descent Control | Jeep Active Drive |
| Selec-Terrain modes | Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, Rock | Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud |
| Final drive ratio | 4.398 | 3.73 |
| Ground clearance | 8.6 in (1-in factory lift) | 8.1 in |
| Approach angle | 30.4° | 16.1° |
| Breakover angle | 23.6° | 22.5° |
| Departure angle | 34.0° | 31.4° |
| Turning diameter | 35.3 ft | 36.3 ft |
| Water fording | Up to 19 in | Not published by Jeep |
| Tires | 215/65R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W all-terrain | All-season: 17 in on Latitude, 18 in on Limited |
| Underbody and recovery | Skid plates, red front and rear tow hooks | — |
| Engine and towing | 2.0L turbo, 200 hp / 221 lb-ft; up to 2,000 lb | Same |
Every Compass uses Jeep Active Drive, a full-time 4x4 system with an active on-demand clutch and no center differential. When 4x4 isn't needed, the rear axle and power transfer unit can fully disconnect to save fuel. That setup handles rain, snow and gravel well, but it has no low range.
The Trailhawk's Jeep Active Drive Low adds what Jeep calls a class-exclusive two-speed power transfer unit, giving a 20:1 crawl ratio. The Trailhawk also uses a shorter 4.398 final drive, versus 3.73 on other trims. A low crawl ratio lets the wheels turn slowly with steady throttle, so you can climb a rutted grade or ease over rocks at walking pace instead of bouncing between brake and gas. Hill Descent Control holds a slow, steady speed on loose descents so you can focus on steering.
Selec-Terrain tunes the 4x4 system, throttle and traction control for the surface. Every Compass gets three modes, and the Trailhawk adds a fourth:
The 1-in factory lift raises ground clearance from 8.1 to 8.6 in. The bigger change is up front: the approach angle nearly doubles, from 16.1° to 30.4°, so the front bumper is far less likely to dig in at the start of a steep climb, a washout or a creek bank. Breakover improves from 22.5° to 23.6° and departure from 31.4° to 34.0°. The Trailhawk's turning diameter is also tighter, 35.3 ft versus 36.3 ft, which helps on narrow switchbacks.
Jeep rates the Trailhawk for up to 19 in of water fording. Jeep publishes no fording figure for the other trims, so don't assume they match it. With any vehicle, check the depth and the bottom before you cross.
EPA lists one rating for the 2026 Compass 4x4, 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined mpg, and does not list the Trailhawk separately. Expect all-terrain tires and the shorter final drive to matter more on long highway runs than around town.
For Elk Grove and Sacramento owners, the Trailhawk is the Compass to pick if your weekends include dirt and gravel forest roads in the Sierra foothills or the national forest roads around Tahoe, or snowy trailhead access off Highway 50. If your driving is mostly pavement with the occasional ski trip, the standard Jeep Active Drive and Snow mode on any Compass will likely cover it. Off-road conditions change with weather and season, so check current conditions before you go.
Considering a larger Jeep? The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk adds a 37.5:1 crawl ratio and 9.0 in of clearance in a hybrid package. See our Jeep Cherokee guide.
Yes. Jeep Active Drive Low gives the Trailhawk a 20:1 crawl ratio and Hill Descent Control. Other Compass trims use Jeep Active Drive, which has no low range.
Every US Compass has 4x4. The Trailhawk is the only trim with Jeep Active Drive Low and Rock mode.
8.6 in, thanks to a 1-in factory lift. Other Compass trims have 8.1 in.
30.4° approach, 23.6° breakover and 34.0° departure, compared with 16.1°, 22.5° and 31.4° on other trims.
Jeep rates the Trailhawk for up to 19 in of water fording. Jeep does not publish a fording figure for other Compass trims.
215/65R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W all-terrain tires on 17-in wheels.
Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock. Sand/Mud is one combined mode, and Rock is exclusive to the Trailhawk.
No. Every Compass uses the 2.0L turbo four rated at 200 hp and 221 lb-ft with an 8-speed automatic, and tows up to 2,000 lb when properly equipped.
Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · 8575 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-892-0515
*Specifications are based on Jeep's 2026 and 2027 information unless noted and may change. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2026 model; actual mileage will vary. Off-road driving involves risk; know your vehicle's limits and the trail conditions, and check water depth before any crossing. Towing requires proper equipment; passengers and cargo reduce towing capacity. Pricing on in-stock vehicles excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer document processing charge and emission testing charge. Contact Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for current pricing and availability.