2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, despite its historically unappealing minivan aesthetic, enjoyed a significant makeover. The front-end styling took inspiration from Japanese bullet trains, attempting to distance itself from the minivan archetype. Its design included options of 18-inch wheels on most trims, with the front-wheel-drive XSE and Platinum trims even sporting 20-inch wheels. Buyers could choose from various trims like the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, upscale Limited, or the luxurious Platinum, with the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim adding another layer to its appeal.

Toyota's clear intent was to make the Sienna attractive beyond its traditional market. The interior of the Sienna upheld this ambition with high-quality finishes such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents noted in the Platinum trim. It had a seating arrangement for seven or eight passengers, with the larger capacity found in the LE or XLE trims, accommodating three-across car seats in the middle row with LATCH anchors.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a mature and upscale design, discarding the utilitarian look of yore. This SUV appeared more refined, closely mirroring the look of larger models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Jeep introduced new wheel designs this year, with the Compass Trailhawk featuring glossy black wheels. Available trims included the base Sport and Latitude, upgraded Latitude Lux, Limited, and the Trailhawk for the outdoorsy types. Special editions like the Altitude, Red, and High Altitude further diversified the offerings.

Our Limited trim test vehicle demonstrated the Compass's upscale look with Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels. The interior featured a sophisticated blend of two-tone black and gray with caramel accents, augmented by digital displays and metallic trim. However, the Compass carried a hefty price tag, making it an expensive option in the small SUV market.

When Toyota launched the fourth-generation Sienna in 2020, they committed to a hybrid-only powertrain. This consisted of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with front-mounted electric motors, plus an additional rear-mounted electric motor for AWD models, producing a combined 245 horsepower. However, this powertrain underwhelmed, particularly due to its lackluster acceleration and the CVT's unexciting sound. On the upside, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimbleness and ease of driving that belied its size. It handled well in city driving, with a notably light steering feel and a tight turning radius.

In performance modes, while EV mode was impractical and rarely engaged solely, Normal mode offered the best balance. Eco mode was too conservative, while Sport mode failed to radically transform the driving experience from that of a minivan.

On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Compass underwent a transformation of its own, replacing its uninspiring powertrain with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine had a broad torque range, delivering peak performance between 1,750 rpm and 4,250 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Jeep Active Drive AWD, the Compass became a more spirited and responsive vehicle. Off-roading capabilities were enhanced in the Trailhawk trim, which featured a low range, a 20:1 crawl ratio, aggressive tires, and skid plates.

Even though the turbo four wasn't as powerful as some might hope, prioritizing fuel economy did provide a decent EPA-rated 27 mpg in combined driving. The Compass excelled with its newfound powertrain which made driving more enjoyable compared to previous models. However, some drawbacks persisted such as body roll and a not-so-smooth AWD engagement on pavements.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna epitomized practicality with its multitude of storage options, from the large cubby beneath the center console to a dash-spanning shelf. The interior space was optimized for family needs, with numerous cupholders and thoughtful features such as an eight-passenger configuration that could support three car seats across the middle.

With overall dimensions stretching just over 200 inches and a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna utilized its space expertly. There was a notable 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expanded to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and maxed out at 101 cubic feet. However, it fell short compared to other minivans like the Odyssey and Pacifica due to its non-removable second row. Despite this, the second-row captain’s chairs were highly functional with extending ottomans and a versatile sliding mechanism to enhance third-row access and comfort.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Compass offered a decent interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrower build, ensuring maneuverability without sacrificing comfort. It featured standard cloth upholstery in lower trims, with leather seating available in higher trims like the Latitude Lux and Limited. Options included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass’s storage, though adequate, was less impressive than the Sienna's with a smaller center console bin and limited cargo space.

Cargo capacity in the Compass was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down—figures adequate for the class but markedly less than the Sienna’s.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was marked by its older infotainment system, a striking contrast to the newer tech found in Toyota's other models. This system included SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation, all accessible through physical buttons—a feature that some drivers may appreciate for ease of use. However, connectivity quirks and a need for wired connections detracted from the convenience expected in modern systems. Yet, the 9-inch touchscreen was appropriately sized, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered quality sound.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a state-of-the-art 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 technology. This system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth device pairing, and integrated services like SiriusXM and Alexa. It also received OTA updates to remain current. Optional upgrades included a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, embedded navigation, and a premium nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The test vehicle's features such as a parking assist system and surround-view camera bolstered its tech offerings, making it feel like a tech-forward choice.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. It achieved a 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and the 2022 model's Top Safety Pick+ designation by the IIHS, providing confidence in its safety credentials.

Similarly, the 2023 Jeep Compass was equipped with standard ADAS features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. New additions like drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminders further enhanced its safety profile. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Assist for semi-autonomous driving. However, it lacked comprehensive crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS at the time of review, leaving some safety evaluation gaps.