2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy, but its design choices were practical and purposeful. The dished hood improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The fenders, slightly bulging, hinted at the vehicle's width and allowed for ample wheel travel. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered a near-luxury experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV that drew inspiration from the Grand Cherokee's refined styling. Available in four core trims, it offered a range of packages and special editions to suit different tastes. The Compass Limited AWD test vehicle was loaded with options, including a panoramic sunroof and premium sound system, pushing its price to nearly $40,000. Despite its attractive appearance and numerous upgrades, the Compass was marred by cost-cutting measures, such as low-quality plastic parts, which detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, made the Land Cruiser a confident performer both on and off the road. Its suspension system, featuring a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control, ensured a smooth ride over various terrains. With an approach angle of 32 degrees and a fording depth of 27.55 inches, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for overlanding adventures, though its fuel economy was a modest 14 mpg combined.

The 2020 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Despite its Tigershark name, the engine was underwhelming, with sluggish acceleration and a noisy operation. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly, and the vehicle's fuel economy fell short of expectations at 23.1 mpg. While the Compass's suspension controlled body roll, it allowed too much vertical motion, impacting ride comfort. However, in Trailhawk trim, the Compass offered decent off-road capability, with features like an Active Drive Low AWD system and a 20:1 crawl ratio.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its exterior and interior features. Standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards made it ready for rugged terrains, while the three-row configuration provided ample space for families. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, a cooling box, and numerous cup holders. The split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making loading and unloading easy. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, the Land Cruiser was a versatile vehicle for both daily commutes and outdoor adventures.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior, especially with the Luxury Seat Group, which added premium leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The back seat was spacious, with air conditioning vents and charging ports for rear passengers. However, the Compass's cargo capacity was unremarkable, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Limited storage space and awkwardly positioned cupholders were minor inconveniences, but the Compass still managed to offer more cargo volume than its Renegade and Cherokee siblings.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio and Integrated Navigation. While the system included 14 JBL speakers and various connectivity options, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a useful addition for navigating tight spaces. Despite its age, the Land Cruiser's technology was continuously updated, though the touchscreen felt small compared to newer competitors.

The 2020 Jeep Compass impressed with its Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. The system was intuitive, with appealing graphics, though some features were buried in menus. Voice recognition worked well, and the system included a navigation option and an Alpine premium audio system. Overall, Uconnect was a standout feature in the Compass, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included advanced driver assistance features like pre-collision detection and adaptive cruise control. It also had the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and various safety features like Trailer Sway Control and hill start assist. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of safety features, with optional packages adding adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While these systems performed adequately, the adaptive cruise control was overly sensitive. The Compass received Good ratings from IIHS, except for headlight performance, and mixed ratings from NHTSA.