2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which provided a solid foundation but did not enhance its off-road capabilities. The interior featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, with material quality that was decent on lower trims but did not improve with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model included SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather, but real leather was not available even on the top-tier RAV4 Limited trim.

The 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look with minor exterior updates, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude model featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV feel. The lineup ranged from the base Sport trim to the High Altitude, with prices starting at $26,020 and reaching $35,085, excluding destination charges. The High Altitude test vehicle came fully equipped with all-wheel drive and option packages, resulting in an MSRP of $40,470.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The engine, dubbed "Tigershark," was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel-drive models and a six-speed automatic for front-wheel-drive versions. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, leading to a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Trailhawk trim provided enhanced off-road capabilities with a low range, hill descent control, and skid plates.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall, upright roof, providing competitive headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but the cargo area lip was higher than in some rivals. The interior included oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered spacious seating for four adults and their luggage, with the High Altitude model enhancing its premium feel. The front seats had eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seats were heated. The Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and the center console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen on Limited models and a 9-inch screen on the RAV4 Prime. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch screen available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with over-the-air updates. Additional options included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Highway Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was to be added later. The Compass also offered parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system. While safety ratings were not yet available, the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars, and headlight performance needed improvement.