Jeep Compass vs Toyota bZ

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a mixed bag in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The Compass Altitude, with its red two-tone paint and blacked-out trim, initially caught the eye, but the test vehicle turned out to be a more utilitarian white Compass with black plastic door handles and small wheels. This model, reminiscent of a fleet vehicle, lacked the distinctive Jeep identity, blending into the sea of small crossovers. The interior, however, was a different story. The Compass Sport, even in its base trim, offered a well-designed cabin with supportive cloth seats, a large 10-inch infotainment screen, and a cohesive style that was a significant improvement over older models. Despite its interior strengths, the exterior design left much to be desired, lacking the unique Jeep character.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, available in XLE and Limited trims, offered a more modern and refined look compared to its predecessor, the bZ4X. The test vehicle, an XLE with front-wheel drive and an optional larger battery, showcased a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing the sense of quality. The fabric seats featured an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate controls, although the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. The bZ's exterior design improved with body-color trim, and the vehicle's overall appearance was more appealing. However, the digital driver display's positioning and the lack of a traditional glove compartment were noted drawbacks.

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 improved performance, easily navigating city streets and highways. The vehicle offered three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency, though it reacted slowly under hard acceleration. The Trailhawk variant provided additional off-road capabilities with a low-range transfer case and all-terrain tires. However, steering and handling were weak points, with mushy handling and low grip. The Compass's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a choice between a single electric motor with a 57.7-kWh battery or a dual-motor setup with a 74.7-kWh battery. The XLE FWD model with the larger battery delivered 224 horsepower and an EPA-rated range of 314 miles. The dual-motor version produced 338 horsepower, with a range of 288 miles for the XLE AWD. The bZ's recharging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a 240-volt Level 2 home charger. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. However, the vehicle lacked one-pedal driving capability, and the front-wheel-drive model struggled with traction control during sharp turns. The bZ was a comfortable cruiser but lacked robust mid-range passing power.

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, even without a sunroof. 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 manual front passenger seat's ability to fold added versatility for carrying longer items.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform with 8.1 inches of ground clearance, provided easy access and comfortable seating. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was tight. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear liftgate, with 56.9 cubic feet available when the back seats were folded.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and crisp interface. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB-C ports. Factory navigation was optional, and a wireless charging pad was available. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, with additional features available through the Elite Group package. The semi-automated driving system, Active Driving Assist, was optional on Limited and above trims.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was generally easy to use, though it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had readability issues in daytime mode. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered the native navigation and voice assistant, which performed well in testing.

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, with top ratings in all crash tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control was optional on certain trims, with parking sensors and 360-degree cameras available on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety, and the Limited trim offered Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech highly, but the headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash tests earned Acceptable ratings.