2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, but it retained much of its look from the 2017 redesign. The High Altitude test vehicle featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish, giving it an upscale appearance despite its compact size. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV feel. The lineup started with the base Sport trim and moved up to the High Altitude, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with standard AWD and several option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470.

Toyota reintroduced the Venza for the 2021 model year on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had a modern exterior design with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults. The Venza's design was best suited for urban environments rather than off-road adventures.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission paired with the AWD system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass was suitable for light off-roading, but the Trailhawk trim offered more capability with additional features like a low range and hill descent control.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, with regenerative braking helping to recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza delivered sprightly performance and agile handling, similar to the Camry, but its taller body and higher ground clearance discouraged aggressive cornering. The hybrid system's transparency and lack of need for charging infrastructure made it convenient for drivers, with a tank of gas yielding over 500 miles.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered similar interior dimensions to the Renegade and Cherokee, making it spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard, new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and premium leather upholstery enhanced the Compass's perceived quality. The cargo area provided 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down, exceeding the capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had minimal impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis, adding sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. Additional options included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in specific queries.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it convenient for drivers without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch upgrade on the Limited trim. The system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, intelligent touch-capacitive controls, and navigation. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package offered a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was to be added later in the model year. A parking assistance system and 360-degree camera were also available. However, the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with the engine's performance. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.