2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

Though the 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, it still bore a strong resemblance to its previous iterations since the 2017 redesign. The Compass had a downsized Grand Cherokee vibe, resembling a version that had shrunk considerably. The High Altitude model, which was our test vehicle, featured appealing 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, making it look upscale for a small Jeep.

The interior offered an impressive premium experience, especially in the High Altitude specification. The new dashboard design featured updated digital instrumentation, advanced infotainment systems, and abundant soft-touch surfaces. The luxury-grade leather seats and enhanced sound deadening elevated the Compass’s sophistication, making it feel like a more premium SUV. The High Altitude was the most expensive version, with various trims available, starting from the base Sport to the Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and finally, the High Altitude, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna endeavored to shed its traditional minivan image. The front-end styling was inspired by a Japanese bullet train, and higher trim levels came with larger 20-inch wheels for front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions. Toyota catered to different tastes with an array of trims, starting from the base LE, moving up to the XLE, sporty XSE, upper-class Limited, and the top-tier Platinum. In 2023, they introduced a 25th Anniversary Special Edition, positioned just below the Limited price-wise.

Despite its standing as a minivan, the Sienna’s interior was likable, particularly in the Platinum model we tested. It boasted a high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents on the center console, which added to the vehicle's appeal. Offering seating for seven or eight passengers, the Sienna was versatile, particularly effective for families, with the middle bench seat in the eight-seater configuration supporting three-across car seats.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came 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. Jeep labeled this their “Tigershark” engine, although its performance didn’t live up to the fierce name, often feeling underwhelming and noisy at higher revs. A turbocharged engine would have significantly improved its performance, particularly for those venturing into higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered a decent pairing, although it wasn’t as smooth as desired. For FWD models, a six-speed transmission was available.

The transmission's behavior aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, often resulting in frustrating driving dynamics in urban environments. The automatic stop/start system also felt sluggish, and the overall driving experience was less than thrilling. Despite the drawbacks, the Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered various driving modes to adapt to different conditions, and the Active Drive AWD system could manage power distribution effectively. Officially, it was supposed to achieve 25 mpg in combined driving, but testing averaged around 23.8 mpg. Off-road capability was decent with 8.1 inches of ground clearance, with the Trailhawk trim offering enhanced features for serious off-road enthusiasts.

Toyota’s 2023 Sienna, having shed its traditional gasoline engine, incorporated a hybrid system across all trims. The hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors, and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD versions, generating 245 net system horsepower. However, the Sienna’s acceleration was somewhat lackluster, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) wasn't the quietest on the market.

That said, the Sienna excelled in its chassis and steering, offering a surprisingly nimble driving experience for such a large vehicle. Light steering made for an easy city driving experience, while multiple drive modes—EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport—allowed for customized driving behavior. However, the Sienna's EV mode was largely impractical as the gas engine engaged frequently. Overall, Normal mode seemed the most effective.

Jeep's close sizing among its Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee models meant the Compass was spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim elevated the experience with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seating, and premium leather upholstery. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard improved perceived quality. The new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen was integrated seamlessly, contributing to a modern cabin appearance. Storage was somewhat limited, with a small bin under the armrest and a cargo area offering 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna maximized its considerable interior space for practicality. A plethora of storage solutions, including an open cubby below the center console, an extended dashboard shelf, and myriad cupholders, provided ample space for passengers' needs. At over 200 inches long with a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. However, the Sienna's middle row couldn’t be fully removed or folded into the floor, unlike some competitors. Despite this, the extendable ottomans and sliding second-row seats significantly enhanced passenger comfort and usability.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured an advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system, boasting a speed five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, provided a WiFi hotspot, Alexa integration, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Voice recognition was generally reliable, although navigation queries could have been more intuitive.

The Sienna made do with Toyota’s older infotainment interface, which, despite being functional, felt outdated. The 9-inch touchscreen was complemented by physical buttons for easier use, even if it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The JBL audio system sounded strong, as did the array of standard tech features like SiriusXM and Bluetooth. However, accessing Android Auto proved more complicated than necessary due to a lack of dedicated interface options.

The 2022 Jeep Compass enhanced its safety profile with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The introduction of Highway Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for more efficient highway driving. However, some systems, particularly lane-keep assist at lower speeds and forward-collision warning, occasionally misfired, indicating room for improvement. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending at the time of review, except for a carryover three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive ADAS suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS for the mechanically identical 2022 model. While the Sienna lacked some of the more novelty family-friendly features of its competitors, it stood firm as an extremely safe option for families.