2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup started with the base Sport trim and moved up to the Trailhawk Elite, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, evolved from its original 1996 model, which was a tiny alternative to larger SUVs. By 2022, it had grown in dimension and sophistication, often topping SUV sales charts in Canada. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, featured angular wheel arches and expressive headlights, creating a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, a touchscreen interface, and a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern tying the cabin together. The 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels on our test vehicle added to its distinctive design.

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 power, and a turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with 4WD, was standard, while FWD models had a six-speed automatic. The transmission's reluctance to downshift and quick upshifts resulted in a busy powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite averaged 9.9 L/100 km in fuel consumption, slightly above the expected 9.5 L/100 km. With 20.6 cm of ground clearance, the Compass handled light off-roading well, and the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced capabilities with a low range and 21.9 cm of ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD were standard, with AWD available on all but the base model. Fuel economy ranged from 7.9 to 8.5 L/100 km combined, depending on the drivetrain. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models offered improved fuel efficiency and performance, with the Prime capable of running up to 68 km on electricity alone. The RAV4's naturally aspirated engine provided smooth power delivery, and the eight-speed transmission offered quick kickdowns for acceleration. The RAV4's car-like handling, independent suspension, and AWD models' dynamic torque vectoring enhanced its driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard, Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and new centre console improved perceived quality and sophistication. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the second row folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel available on higher trims. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy glove compartment.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch option available on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity for two devices. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests like finding the nearest hospital.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio system, and navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including five USB ports, a 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and a 10-inch colour head-up display. The available bird’s-eye view camera system and digital rear-view mirror added to the RAV4's tech appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, was expected later in the model year. The Compass's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, featured a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The RAV4 received an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid their highest five-star rating.