Jeep Compass vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a mixed bag in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The test vehicle, a Compass Sport, was unremarkable in appearance, blending into the landscape with its generic design. The exterior lacked distinctive Jeep characteristics, save for the iconic seven-slot grille. The interior, however, was a different story. The Compass boasted a well-designed cabin with supportive cloth seats and a large 10-inch infotainment screen. The interior materials and design were commendable, especially in the base trim, offering a sense of style and quality that was absent in older models. Despite these improvements, the exterior design left much to be desired, lacking the unique identity expected from a Jeep.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid embraced a more conservative design, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, tested in a Storm Cloud paint, exuded a sense of grandeur with its spacious interior and seating for up to eight. The interior prioritized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. While the glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces detracted from the overall quality, the logical layout of controls and decent material quality made up for it. The climate system was user-friendly, though the infotainment interface had room for improvement with its small volume knob and lack of a tuning knob.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass delivered a smooth driving experience, with minimized engine noise and improved power delivery. The vehicle offered three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency, though it reacted slowly under hard acceleration. The Trailhawk variant added off-road capabilities with a low-range transfer case and additional driving modes. However, steering and handling were weak points, with too much play and low grip. The Compass achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, delivering 362 horsepower. The Hybrid Max powertrain provided satisfying acceleration, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoiding the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg combined, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The powertrain's acceleration was smooth, and the ride quality was soft and isolating. Handling was secure, though the vehicle felt large on narrow roads. Visibility was excellent, aided by cameras, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. The driver’s seat offered clear analog gauges and a large color display, with convenient controls for the stereo and climate. Visibility was good, and the interior provided ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats featured vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat's ability to fold added versatility for carrying longer items.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum-trim test vehicle featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, though the rear doors' design posed challenges for families with small children. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed for easy access to the third row. The Grand Highlander provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software. The system was slick and quick, with clear menus and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the home screen lacked direct app switching, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. Optional features included factory navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a semi-automated driving system. Higher trims offered additional tech, such as a digital instrument panel and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various music services. Toyota Connected Services offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a digital voice assistant. While the infotainment system was easy to use, the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously was a drawback. The Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and a premium audio system.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and parking sensors.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. While the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating, the overall safety tech operated with accuracy. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.