2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, moving away from the traditional sliding doors and slab-sided designs that many associated with childhood road trips. Toyota's efforts were evident in the Sienna's front-end styling, which resembled a Japanese bullet train, and the availability of larger wheels on certain trims. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and the upper-class Limited, with a special 25th Anniversary Edition also available. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, and offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep look. The Compass shared design elements with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, featuring new wheel designs for the Sport and North models and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims being the choice for off-road enthusiasts. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, gave the Compass a sophisticated appearance, while the interior boasted a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, digital displays, and metallic trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering provided a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna offered several drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to maneuver in urban settings, thanks to its light steering and tidy turning radius.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep's Active Drive AWD system, transformed the Compass's driving dynamics. The Trailhawk version offered additional off-road capabilities with features like a low-range AWD system, skid plates, and a lifted suspension. While the Compass's turbo engine improved performance, it prioritized fuel economy, resulting in a combined rating of 8.8 L/100 km. The Compass handled well on various terrains, though its AWD system was sometimes slow to engage.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with the seats folded. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with features like extending ottomans and long sliding tracks for added comfort. The Sienna's three-zone climate control and available four-zone system ensured a comfortable cabin environment.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for four adults, with standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control. The Compass's interior featured cloth upholstery on lower trims, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered a premium feel with leather-wrapped steering and power-adjustable seats. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seats and 1,693 litres with the seats folded. The Compass also offered a foot-activated power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology was reliable but dated, featuring an older infotainment interface with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. While the system included physical buttons for ease of use, it required wired connections for smartphone integration and had some quirks in accessing certain features.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 technology, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and over-the-air updates. The system could be paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and an Alpine premium sound system. The Compass also featured Alexa Built-in for voice commands and a parking assist system, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, making it a top choice for safety-conscious families.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added new safety features like drowsy driver detection and a rear-seat reminder. It offered a range of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Compass's lane-keeping inputs were sometimes intrusive, and its adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The Compass's crash-test ratings were incomplete, but it previously earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.