2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, yet it retained a familiar look reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee. The test vehicle featured attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish, enhancing its upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, particularly in the Trailhawk Elite specification. These enhancements elevated its sophistication, making it a more convincing premium SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged front appearance. However, the side design introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a somewhat disjointed overall design. Inside, the Highlander featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition test vehicle included unique 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, which, while distinctive, posed durability concerns.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked acceleration prowess, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The nine-speed automatic transmission was paired with 4WD models, while FWD versions had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite offered impressive off-road capabilities with features like a low range and hill descent control, but overall driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It used a CVT and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's drone became noticeable under heavy acceleration. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The ride quality was comfortable, and the cabin remained quiet, making it a pleasant family vehicle.

The Jeep Compass offered spacious seating for four adults and their luggage, with front seats providing 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and the centre console offered increased storage. The Compass had a cargo capacity of 770 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded, surpassing the Cherokee in cargo space.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample storage options, including a deep tray and large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with seats folded, and 2,387 litres at maximum capacity.

The Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. A nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was available, and voice recognition was generally accurate, though not flawless.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were included on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance starting from the Trailhawk grade. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance were available, though some systems required fine-tuning. The NHTSA rollover resistance rating was three stars, and headlight performance needed improvement.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally performed well, though adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required some adjustments.