Jeep Compass vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a somewhat underwhelming exterior, especially in its Sport trim. The model we evaluated was a white Compass with black plastic door handles and small wheels, resembling a fleet vehicle. Its design was generic, lacking distinctive features that would set it apart from other small crossovers. However, the interior of the Compass, particularly in the Limited trim, was a different story. It boasted a refined design with a black and gray colour scheme, complemented by caramel leatherette accents. The cabin was modern and cohesive, with supportive cloth seats and a large 10-inch infotainment screen, offering a sense of style and quality that was absent in older models.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid took a more conservative approach to styling, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. The result was a larger vehicle that maintained the familiar look and feel of its smaller sibling, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior of the Grand Highlander, especially in the Platinum trim, emphasized function over form, with a layer of luxury added through features like leather and artificial suede upholstery. Despite some unlined storage areas, the overall material quality was decent, and the controls were logically laid out, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass offered improved performance over its predecessor. It included three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. However, its steering and handling were less impressive, with too much play off-centre and low grip. The Compass Trailhawk variant offered additional off-road capabilities, but at a higher cost. Fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.8 L/100 km combined.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, on the other hand, focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD. It delivered 362 horsepower, providing quick acceleration and a satisfying driving experience. The Hybrid Max's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a mixed driving route. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire scrub and squeal.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges and a large colour display. The interior offered good visibility and spacious headroom, especially without a sunroof. Rear seats provided ample legroom and headroom, along with rear vents and USB ports. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres when folded. The front passenger seat also folded, allowing for easy transport of longer items.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows and more than 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured upscale materials like leather and artificial suede upholstery. However, the rear doors were long and required ample space to open, which could be challenging for families with small children. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space was generous, with 586 litres behind the third row and 2,761 litres with the second row folded.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and crisp interface. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional factory navigation and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, with additional features available through the Elite Exterior Group package.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various Toyota Connected Services. The system was easy to use, though the font could be hard to read against the background. The Platinum trim offered additional features like a colour head-up display and a JBL premium audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

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 IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection. The safety tech operated with accuracy, though some features, like the Proactive Driving Assist, could be irritating.