Just like Land Rover, Jeep is a manufacturer committed to ensuring its models are unstoppable once you head off the tarmac. The American manufacturer has decades of experience producing rugged models that are better suited to climbing mountains, rather than kerbs.
While changing consumer buying habits has led Jeep to introduce slightly ‘softer’ models – the popular Renegade, for example – Jeep still has a big place left for these unstoppable models.
To demonstrate this, Jeep has a special badge reserved for these ultra-rugged models – a ‘Trail Rated’ emblem – more commonly seen on Jeep’s newly-introduced ‘Trailhawk’ versions of its cars.
But what does this badge mean?
Well, for something to be Trail Rated, it has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions. These can be placed into five key categories – traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation and water fording.
So, essentially what this means is that you’re guaranteed to have a hugely credible off-roader if you have that badge stuck on the back of the Jeep.
So what Jeeps are ‘Trail Rated’?
Unsurprisingly it’s the Wrangler that rules the roost when it comes to being supremely talented off-road, but Jeep also offers Trailhawk versions of its regular models, which essentially are more capable versions of the regular range.
You’ll find Trailhawk versions of both the compact Renegade and mid-size Compass, which each ensure supreme off-road ability.
Just a few highlights on these models include the Selec-Terrain off-road modes – including specific setting for snow, sand, mud and rocks – while hill descent control is another fantastic featured fitted, too.
The Jeep Renegade Trailwawk is available now, priced from £31,655, while the Compass Trailhawk costs from £36,680. If you’d rather go all in and get the most extreme Wrangler – this iconic version is available from £41,455.
