2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall look felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed impractical for families due to its tendency to attract dirt. Other trims offered more conventional materials, with genuine leather available only in the top trims.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from rugged Jeep aesthetics. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models, offering a more upscale look. The 2023 Compass introduced new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and North models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with prices ranging from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000. Our Limited test vehicle, equipped with extra-cost paint and various packages, had an MSRP of $54,775. The Compass Limited resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee, with a two-tone black and gray cabin featuring caramel accents. The digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics contributed to a sophisticated interior. However, the high price made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in an uninspired drone during acceleration, especially on hills. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over road imperfections. It wasn't sporty, but it prioritized comfort, with a quiet cabin on the highway.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available across a broad rev range, and it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass Trailhawk featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. The new turbo engine transformed the Compass's performance, making it more responsive and refined. However, the engine wasn't as powerful as it could be, prioritizing fuel economy. The Compass averaged 9.9 L/100 km in various driving conditions. The new powertrain resolved previous issues, but the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to significant body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk's off-roading capabilities were impressive, but the standard tires limited its performance in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. The interior provided plenty of storage options, including trays and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for added versatility. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 2,387 litres. Higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle featured premium leather, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered enough space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. Interior storage was acceptable, but the centre armrest bin was small. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Some models offered a foot-activated power liftgate.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Limited and Platinum trims included navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, it could be paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant was responsive, and the parking assist system could autonomously steer the Compass into parking spaces.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The systems generally worked well but could use some fine-tuning.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2023 Compass, and the IIHS had incomplete results.