2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian SUV. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, which contributed to its timeless styling and balanced proportions. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was functional, much like a reliable tool that doesn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, aligning with the SUV's mission of durability and simplicity. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons, offering a straightforward user experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass received updates that enhanced its premium appeal, particularly in the Trailhawk Elite specification. The exterior, while similar to its 2017 redesign, featured new wheel designs and styling updates that gave it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass boasted a redesigned dashboard with updated digital instrumentation, soft-touch surfaces, and luxury-grade leather seats, elevating its sophistication. The Trailhawk Elite model, the most expensive in the lineup, offered a range of features, including a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a new centre console with increased storage. These enhancements made the Compass a more convincing premium SUV, despite its compact size.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided the 4Runner with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. While the engine lacked the power of a turbocharger, it was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a smoother driving experience than a CVT. The Compass's drivetrain, however, was busy and unrewarding, with a slow automatic stop/start system. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered various driving modes, and the Compass Trailhawk was capable off-road, thanks to its Active Drive Low AWD system and 21.9 cm of ground clearance. Fuel efficiency was better than the 4Runner, averaging 9.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The back seat provided ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seat and 2,540 litres with the seat folded down. The 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but it contributed to its off-road capability.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while smaller, provided enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite model featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard and new Uconnect 5 infotainment system added to the premium feel. Cargo capacity was 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the seat folded, surpassing the more expensive Jeep Cherokee.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. However, the Trail grade lacked advanced features, focusing on practicality over sophistication.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than its predecessor. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered a range of customization options. The system included a navigation system, connected services, and a WiFi hotspot. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert from the Trailhawk grade. The Compass was set to receive Highway Assist later in the model year, enhancing its adaptive cruise control and lane-centring systems. While crash test results for the updated Compass were not available, the previous model's ratings suggested room for improvement in headlight performance.