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 positioned high on the dash for easy visibility. The Bronze Edition featured light grey fabric seat upholstery with an odd triangle motif, which seemed more suitable for a paper towel than a car. The Softex synthetic leather substitute felt more like vinyl, and genuine leather was only available in the top trims.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, embraced a refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep look. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. The Compass Sport and Latitude models received new 17-inch wheel designs, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass lineup included various trims, from the base Sport to the upscale Limited, with special editions like the Altitude and High Altitude. Our Limited test vehicle featured Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded sophistication, thanks to digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics. However, the as-tested price of $45,800 seemed steep for a small SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered standard front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system powered by a supplemental electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid could reach 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. 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 when climbing hills. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on the highway.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive all-wheel-drive system. The Compass offered three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, along with off-road enhancements. The new turbo engine transformed the Compass from gutless to gutsy, though it wasn't as powerful as it could be. The EPA fuel economy rating was 27 mpg combined, but our test averaged 23.8 mpg. The Compass handled well on pavement, with the Limited's 19-inch wheels providing grip. However, the AWD system was slow to engage, and the Trailhawk struggled on certain off-road terrains.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. The interior provided ample storage, including a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large center armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench seat. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle featured leather seats, 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 seat cushions. Interior storage was acceptable, though the center armrest bin was small. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard, along with satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Navigation and a JBL premium audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel on some trims. Our Limited test vehicle included an Alpine premium sound system and Alexa Built-in technology, which was responsive and accurate. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

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, and a blind-spot monitor. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems needed 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 blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Our Limited test vehicle's Highway Assist offered refined operation, though it struggled in certain conditions. The Compass had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS had incomplete test results.