2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass got a series of exterior updates and new wheel designs, yet it still carried a familiar resemblance to the models dating back to its 2017 redesign. It gave off a "small Grand Cherokee" vibe, and our High Altitude test vehicle's 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted in a dark sparkly finish certainly accentuated an upscale and polished appearance.

However, the real transformation was evident inside the cabin. The new dashboard design came with updated digital instrumentation and infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, significantly boosting the vehicle's interior sophistication, especially in the High Altitude trim. Jeep made the Compass available in multiple trims, starting from the base Sport, moving to Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and finally, the High Altitude. Prices ranged from $26,020 to $35,085, not including a $1,595 shipping charge, with our fully-loaded High Altitude model topping the scales at $40,470.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered consumers six trim levels, covering a spectrum from the more affordable sub-$30K LE trim to the lavish RAV4 Limited. Sticking closely to the design introduced in 2019, the RAV4, particularly in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, showcased a distinct two-part face.

The Adventure trim we tested showcased an aggressively styled grille with a repositioned Toyota badge. It also featured blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and bold black cladding around the wheel arches that gave it a rugged, albeit pretentious, look. Inside, the Adventure added vibrant orange accents to the seats and center console, along with a frameless rearview mirror that offered a touch of premiumness in its otherwise practical interior. While the RAV4 shared its platform with the more genteel Toyota Venza, it maintained a truck-like essence.

Under the hood, the 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm - a configuration Jeep designated as the "Tigershark." However, it struggled to live up to its aggressive name, as its performance was rather underwhelming for an SUV. The absence of a turbocharger meant it delivered sluggish acceleration, and the engine's noise at high revs didn't do it any favors either.

Jeep paired this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission in AWD models, which provided better performance than a CVT but struggled with the transmission's reluctance to downshift smoothly. Overall, the fuel economy was lackluster at an average of 23.8 mpg, slightly below the expected 25 mpg in combined driving. The Compass did come standard with Jeep's Selec-Terrain system, offering Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and an AWD system that could direct power to the rear wheels when needed. It had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading. The Trailhawk trim further improved off-road capability with additional features like skid plates and 8.6 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, outputting 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't offer thrilling acceleration, its performance was considered acceptable for everyday use. The overall noise level was moderate, better than some of its competitors.

The RAV4's AWD variants, including the Adventure trim we tested, enhanced its traction capabilities with Snow Mode. However, it paled in comparison to the TRD Off-Road trim, which included 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension. The Adventure trim's 19-inch wheels and standard suspension didn't quite live up to serious off-road expectations.

Overall, the RAV4 offered a respectable blend of performance and comfort, steering clear of the performance pitfalls that plagued the Compass.

Interior space in the 2022 Jeep Compass was sufficient to accommodate four adults and their luggage, with the Compass fitting comfortably amongst the smaller end of compact SUVs. The High Altitude trim featured luxurious enhancements like eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, and ventilation, complementing the heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel - thanks to the Elite Interior Group package.

The redesigned dashboard and infotainment layout, coupled with the premium leather and contrast stitching, improved the cabin's overall quality. The center console provided adequate storage, although the bin beneath the armrest remained small. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, surprisingly exceeding the capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, provided 37.7 inches of front headroom with the moonroof, and 39.5 inches in the rear, favoring rear passengers in terms of headroom compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Front legroom was 41 inches, with 37.8 inches in the second row, which was adequate but not class-leading. The back seat dimensions were narrower than those in the CR-V or Forester.

The RAV4 offered practical storage solutions, featuring a shelf running the length of the glove compartment, generous door pockets, and center console cupholders. Cargo space was ample, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to an impressive 69.8 cubic feet when folded, positioning it favorably in the segment.

The 2022 Jeep Compass incorporated the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, boasting a five-fold increase in speed over its predecessor. Standard models received an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while a 10.1-inch version was optional. This system supported pairing two devices via Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, voice text-to-reply, and Amazon Alexa skill. It also allowed for over-the-air updates.

Options included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless device charging pad. The Compass could also be equipped with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Voice recognition was swift and precise, although the system occasionally struggled with specific navigation commands.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 received a long-awaited upgrade in its infotainment with a new system supporting over-the-air updates. The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen could be replaced by a 10.5-inch version in higher trims. This system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice command, and in our Adventure trim test vehicle, a 10.5-inch screen with an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system.

Additionally, a 7-inch driver-information display came standard, while a larger 12.3-inch version was available on the Limited trim and optional on the TRD Off-Road.

The 2022 Jeep Compass saw significant safety enhancements. Every trim featured forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An upcoming Highway Assist system would further integrate adaptive cruise control and lane-centering for highway driving. Optional features included parallel and perpendicular parking assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems had some drawbacks, particularly at low speeds and in variable conditions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 included the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard across all trims. This package comprised lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control was also part of the package. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting from the XLE trim. Notably, the RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, confirming its high safety standards.