2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose creating a striking first impression. Over time, however, its unique styling became more familiar and less polarizing. The SUV's design featured black windshield pillars that gave the illusion of a floating roof, while its swollen haunches attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the availability of 20-inch wheels on higher trims, the exaggerated quarter panels often overwhelmed the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone interior with soft leather in the Limited and Platinum trims, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy detailing sometimes suffered from reflections.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar appearance, reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude model featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the vehicle's upscale look. Inside, the Compass impressed with a redesigned dashboard, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, elevating its premium feel. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive in the lineup, offered a sophisticated cabin with soft-touch surfaces and added sound deadening, enhancing its appeal as a premium SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. With a total output of 243 horsepower, the Highlander Hybrid offered optional all-wheel drive and used an "E-CVT" for transmission. Despite improved fuel efficiency, the driving experience was less engaging, with the engine sounding strained during acceleration and the steering feeling lifeless. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but the SUV's handling was hampered by unwanted body movement.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. While paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. The transmission's reluctance to downshift and the slow re-engagement of the automatic stop/start system resulted in a less satisfying driving experience. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with various driving modes and an Active Drive AWD system, but the drivetrain remained the least appealing aspect of the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 48.4 cubic feet available when the third row was folded, and a maximum capacity of 84.3 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered spacious accommodations for four adults, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The High Altitude trim featured a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned dashboard with a new infotainment screen. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with a comprehensive infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons, though the sound quality varied depending on music type. Additional features included Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was significantly faster than its predecessor. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa and satellite radio. The system allowed for two Bluetooth connections and offered over-the-air updates. The voice recognition system was effective, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 was impressive but not the easiest to use.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included forward-collision warning with intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the LE trim. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Highway Assist was set to be added later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly effective, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.