2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced in 2021, was built on the robust Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. This midsize crossover SUV measured 4,739 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, with a ground clearance of 196 mm. Its design was sleek and modern, with a distinctive scalloped body side and LED lighting on the tailgate, giving it a Lexus-like appearance. Inside, the Venza offered a luxurious feel with high-quality materials, a layered dashboard, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, meanwhile, embraced a refined design ethos, aligning with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families. It featured new 17-inch wheels 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 the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. The Limited trim, tested with various packages, boasted a Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone cabin with caramel accents exuded a premium feel, though the price was steep for a small SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. The Venza's AWD system was powered by electric motors at the rear axle, and regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza delivered sprightly performance and agile handling, making it a suitable midsize family hauler.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio and additional off-road capabilities. Despite the enhancements, the Compass's 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 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 114.8 cm of hip room, and the cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. Convenience features included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and multiple storage options. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin with sound-blocking materials.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, with standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather options available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered premium features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided adequate space, and the Compass had 770 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,693 litres. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, offering a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The Limited model added a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Depending on the trim, it offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited trim included Alexa Built-in technology and a parking assist system. The surround-view camera was a useful addition for parking.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It had eight airbags, LATCH anchors, and child safety locks. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The Compass's lane-keeping inputs were sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control wasn't always smooth. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2023 Compass, and the IIHS results were incomplete.