2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2024 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures and tones, and the quality of materials was questioned. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass was tested in Michigan and presented a more understated exterior design, with the Sport trim appearing generic. However, the interior of the Compass was praised for its design and quality, especially in the 2023 Limited trim. The cabin featured supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and a large 10-inch infotainment screen. The Compass was noted for its cohesive and modern interior, a significant improvement over older models. While the exterior design was seen as lacking uniqueness, the interior offered a sense of style and practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and was designed for fuel efficiency, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system. However, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was described as lacklustre, with limited high-speed passing power and a soft suspension that made the driving experience uninspiring. The SUV was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a compliant ride and quiet highway performance.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre Inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Compass offered three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for improved fuel efficiency. While steering and handling were noted as weak points, the Compass provided a comfortable ride. Its fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 8.8 combined, making it competitive with other compact SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. The interior featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Platinum package. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, but accessing the third row was challenging. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the storage areas were criticized for their design and lack of lining.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges and a large colour display. The interior provided ample legroom and headroom, with rear vents, USB ports, and a fold-down centre armrest. Cargo space was competitive, offering 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres when folded. The Compass also featured a foldable front passenger seat for carrying longer items, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch display with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a JBL sound system. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features, but the controls were not intuitive, and the graphics lacked contrast.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Uconnect 5 software, providing a slick and crisp interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional factory navigation and a wireless charging pad. The Compass also offered a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel on higher trims, with features like Alexa Built-In and a foot-activated power liftgate available on the Limited trim.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. The ADAS worked well in most situations, though it struggled with certain road conditions.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass was awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor, with additional features available on higher trims.