2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. 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 offered various trims, starting from the base Sport to the top-tier Trailhawk Elite, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. It offered a range of trims, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The Sienna's interior was praised for its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's design and features made it a smart choice for families, offering practicality and style.

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 the power to compete with other SUVs, and its performance was further hindered by a nine-speed automatic transmission that was reluctant to downshift. The Compass's drivetrain was considered its weakest aspect, with a slow automatic stop/start system and disappointing acceleration. However, it offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Trailhawk trim provided impressive off-road capabilities with features like a low range and hill descent control.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering 245 net system horsepower. While its acceleration was lacklustre compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were praised for their nimbleness and ease of driving. The Sienna offered multiple drive modes, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its size, the Sienna was fun to drive and handled city driving with ease.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with a redesigned dashboard and improved perceived quality. The front seats provided 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seats were heated. The Compass featured a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a new centre console with increased storage. It offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with ample space for bags and a long shelf for phones. It featured three-zone climate control, with four-zone available on higher trims. The Sienna's minivan platform provided 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the seats folded. Although the middle row couldn't be removed, the second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans and sliding capabilities. The Sienna's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, making it ideal for families.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.1-inch option on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. While the voice recognition was fast and accurate, the system had some limitations in ease of use.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, used an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. The system included SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and an optional navigation system. Despite its older design, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. The interface had some quirks, but the physical buttons were appreciated for their functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features for 2022, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. The Compass was set to add Highway Assist later in the year, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. However, the system had some issues with false positives and abrupt braking. At the time of review, crash test results were not available, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered additional features like intercom systems and rear-seat cameras, the Sienna focused on essential safety features for family use.