2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often likened to a Lexus due to its sleek design and premium appearance. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, with its distinctive grille and elongated profile, setting it apart from other Toyota SUVs. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a host of interior comforts like a wireless charging pad and dual-zone climate control. The higher trims added more luxurious touches, such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look, reminiscent of a compact Grand Cherokee. Despite updates to its exterior styling and wheel designs, it retained its compact, upscale Jeep aesthetic. The interior, especially in the Trailhawk Elite trim, received significant upgrades, including a new dashboard design, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening. The Compass lineup ranged from the base Sport trim to the top-tier Trailhawk Elite, with prices reflecting the added features and capabilities. The Trailhawk Elite, with its 4WD and Sun and Sound package, was positioned as a premium offering within the compact SUV segment.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This setup, while not the most powerful in its class, provided smooth acceleration and confident handling. The Venza's e-CVT transmission allowed for a seamless driving experience, though engine noise was noticeable during acceleration. Its standout feature was its exceptional fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, making it a leader in its segment. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a robust warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, equipped with a 2.4-litre "Tigershark" engine, produced 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its name, the engine lacked the punch of its competitors, often feeling sluggish, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission, while an improvement over a CVT, was not without its quirks, often hesitating to downshift. The Compass's fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 9.9 L/100 km during testing. However, its off-road capabilities, particularly in the Trailhawk trim, were commendable, with features like Jeep Selec-Terrain and a high ground clearance making it suitable for light off-roading.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium materials, especially in the Limited trim. The centre stack featured capacitive buttons and a large infotainment screen, while the deep centre console provided ample storage. Seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, with the Venza offering a spacious feel despite its compact dimensions. Cargo space was adequate, with 816 litres available, though less than some competitors. The Venza's interior was more refined than the rugged RAV4, appealing to those seeking a more elegant SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, with its redesigned interior, aimed to elevate its premium appeal. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a new soft-touch dashboard. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, offering a responsive and customizable experience. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seats and 1,693 litres with them folded. The Compass's interior improvements made it a more attractive option for those seeking a compact SUV with a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch screen on higher trims. While the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its interface was not the most intuitive. The Venza also included a JBL premium audio system on upper trims and a suite of connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Dynamic navigation was available on models with the larger screen, providing real-time route guidance.

The 2022 Jeep Compass boasted the new Uconnect 5 system, which was significantly faster and more responsive than its predecessor. Standard features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a range of connected services and a WiFi hotspot. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios. Overall, Uconnect 5 was a strong point for the Compass, offering a modern and versatile infotainment experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trims. This included pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Venza received high safety ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick and the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall rating. The safety systems were effective and unobtrusive, providing a reassuring driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass also saw improvements in safety features, with key systems like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. While some features required higher trims, the Compass offered a range of driver assistance technologies. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems had some quirks, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. At the time of review, official safety ratings for the updated Compass were not yet available, though previous models had room for improvement in certain areas.