2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with a price tag of $42,083, presented a robust yet understated appearance. Despite its fully-loaded status, it resembled a typical rental car, lacking the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic AWD system was not designed for rugged terrains, unlike the Adventure trim of the non-hybrid version. Its exterior, though tough-looking, could have benefited from more striking wheels. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid combined style and practicality, though the quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was functional and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass High Altitude, priced at $40,470, offered a more upscale look with its 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and dark sparkly finish. The exterior updates maintained its resemblance to a shrunken Grand Cherokee. Inside, the Compass excelled with a new dashboard design, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive in the lineup, included numerous upgrades, making it a sophisticated choice for those seeking a compact yet luxurious Jeep experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration despite the engine's unpleasant sound at high revs. It achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 39.7 mpg. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering contributed to a comfortable ride, though the tires lacked grip during spirited driving.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked power, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission was paired with AWD, while FWD models had a six-speed automatic. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a busy powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating of 25 mpg. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-roading well. The Compass High Altitude's 19-inch wheels improved grip, but the suspension struggled with uneven surfaces, revealing its dated design.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Compass provided spacious seating for four adults, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, and ventilation. The Elite Interior Group added premium leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard enhanced the interior's sophistication. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, though storage space remained limited. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. Camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree surround-view system, was available.

The 2022 Jeep Compass boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system offered over-the-air updates, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was effective, though it struggled with specific queries. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but required some effort to master.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were included on most trims. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, adding forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was set to debut later. The Compass experienced some false positives with its forward-collision warning system. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending, but previous rollover resistance and headlight performance needed improvement.