2024 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

For many shoppers, the traditional minivan aesthetic of the 2023 Toyota Sienna might have felt like a hard sell, reminiscent of family trips of the past. The 1990s saw the rise of SUVs which eventually overshadowed minivans in social stature. With time, many big SUVs transitioned to car-based crossovers, which, in a bid to enhance aerodynamics, started resembling high-riding minivans minus the sliding doors. Toyota invested considerable effort in making the Sienna less minivan-like. The front-end design mirrored a Japanese bullet train, and some trims even featured 20-inch wheels. Shoppers had ample options ranging from the base LE to the top-shelf Platinum and a 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim. The XLE trim, with its standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and power liftgate, was expected to be the go-to choice for value-conscious shoppers. Inside, the Sienna stood out with its high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents on the center console, creating a luxurious feel. Toyota offered seating for up to eight passengers, with a middle bench seat option on the LE or XLE trims capable of supporting three-across car seats using LATCH anchors.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass we tested in Michigan presented a different vibe. With a two-tone red paint and blacked-out trim on the Altitude model, it initially grabbed attention. However, the test car was, in reality, a white Compass Sport, looking more like a fleet vehicle. The base Sport trim in its rental-car guise was almost invisible, lacking the distinct Jeep identity apart from the seven-slot grille. The Compass Sport resembled many smaller crossovers without unique features, unless you spent extra on the Trailhawk version, which came with red tow hooks, revised bumpers, and extra off-road capability. The higher-end trims of the 2023 Compass, however, featured an attractive black and gray interior with caramel leatherette, large screens, supportive seats, and silver accents, lending it a modern touch.

When Toyota introduced the fourth-generation Sienna in 2020, they revolutionized its powertrain by offering a hybrid-only model. The Sienna’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with two front-mounted electric motors and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD versions, delivered a combined 245 horsepower. While the specs seemed less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's platform provided a nimble and comfortable drive. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less appealing due to noisy engine revs. Despite its slower acceleration compared to rivals like the Odyssey, the Sienna excelled in handling, making it easy to maneuver around town and stable on highways. Its drive modes—EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport—each had their quirks but Normal mode remained the most balanced.

By 2024, Jeep dropped the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder in favor of a detuned version of the Cherokee's turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline four-cylinder engine. This new powerplant delivered 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD. The Compass now offered a smoother and quieter drive with better acceleration. With driving modes catered to different terrains (auto, snow, sand/mud) and the ability to lock torque 50-50 between front and rear, it optimized traction efficiently. The Trailhawk model even provided a low-range transfer case for more challenging terrains. However, despite its off-road prowess, the Compass’s steering and handling fell short compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4, resulting in less accurate control at higher speeds. Fuel economy was reasonable with 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on highways, and a combined 27 mpg.

Interior storage was a strong suit for the 2023 Toyota Sienna, featuring numerous cubby holes, shelves, and bins. Its spacious layout allowed for up to 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, extending to 75.2 cubic feet with seats folded and maxing out at 101 cubic feet. However, competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica offered more flexible cargo solutions with removable or foldable middle rows, unlike the Sienna's permanent middle seats.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use from the driver’s seat, boasting clear analog gauges, a practical gear selector, and physical climate controls, although the lack of temperature readouts might have been a minor hurdle. Visibility was ample, and both front and rear seats provided sufficient room. The Compass offered competitive cargo space with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its fold-down front passenger seat further enhanced its practicality for carrying long items.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment system, which despite having essential features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports, felt outdated. It required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigating through menus was cumbersome. However, the inclusion of physical buttons was practical, even though the overall interface looked and performed below expectations. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system was satisfactory.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass came equipped with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring the Uconnect 5 software. This system was sleek, crisp, and user-friendly, with seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional tech features included 4G Wi-Fi, optional factory navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims offered advanced packages with extra luxury and convenience features, including a semi-automated driving system, though some features required additional upgrades.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety with a suite of standard ADAS features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It achieved a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 model, underscoring its reliability in protecting family passengers. While lacking gimmicks like Honda’s CabinTalk or Chrysler’s FamCam, the Sienna prioritized essential safety features.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, though not rated at the time by the NHTSA, had the 2022 model’s ratings to vouch for its safety, scoring four stars overall. With forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and optional advanced safety features, the Compass ensured comprehensive protection. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2023 model, evidencing its crashworthiness and safety standards.