2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, offering a range of options from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims stood out with their distinctive two-part face design, introduced in 2019. The Adventure trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional black cladding around the wheel arches. However, it was more about style than substance, lacking the off-road capabilities of the TRD Off-Road trim. Inside, the Adventure trim added orange accents, including a stripe on the seats and contrast stitching, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The frameless rearview mirror added a touch of premium feel, but for those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Toyota Venza was a better option.

The 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged look of its predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families. The Compass was offered in five core trim levels, with special editions like the Altitude and High Altitude. Our test vehicle, the Limited trim, featured Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, giving it a resemblance to a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded a sense of luxury, thanks to digital displays and metallic trim. However, the as-tested price of $45,800 seemed steep for a small SUV, making it less competitive in its segment.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with front-wheel drive, except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured all-wheel drive. The sole engine option was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission was preferable to a CVT, it didn't enhance acceleration, making the RAV4's performance more "unobjectionable" than "exciting." The Adventure trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, couldn't match the TRD Off-Road's capabilities, which included 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension.

The 2023 Jeep Compass received a significant powertrain upgrade with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, and it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Jeep Active Drive AWD. The Trailhawk trim featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. During testing, the Compass demonstrated improved performance, with the turbo engine providing a quieter and smoother ride. However, the AWD system was slow to engage, and the Trailhawk's tires struggled in certain off-road conditions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered seating for five, with 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back, making it competitive with the Honda CR-V but less spacious than the Subaru Forester. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. It featured an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather seats available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered a comfortable seating position and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Rear seat space was adequate, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Compass also offered a foldable front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The Adventure trim featured an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel on certain trims. Our Limited test vehicle included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to its strong crash-test performance.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, and its IIHS rating was pending further testing.