Toyota Land Cruiser vs Jeep Compass

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a rather generic exterior, especially in its Sport trim. The model we evaluated was a white Compass with black plastic door handles and small wheels, reminiscent of a utility fleet vehicle. Its design was understated, with only the seven-slot grille hinting at its Jeep lineage. The Compass Sport's body shape and taillights were similar to many small crossovers from the past two decades, lacking distinctiveness unless upgraded to the Trailhawk model. Inside, however, the Compass impressed with its interior design and quality, especially in the 2023 Limited trim. The cabin featured a black and gray color scheme with caramel leatherette accents, large screens, and superior fit and finish. Even the base model offered supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and textured inserts, along with a 10-inch infotainment screen and stylish silver plastic accents.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more traditional and utilitarian design, with a two-box SUV shape that maximized off-road capabilities and visibility. The base model, named the 1958, had a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment, while the more upscale Land Cruiser trim added modern features and a more sophisticated appearance. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, showcased a Heritage Blue and Grayscape paint job, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack. The interior was utilitarian yet upscale, with Java-colored leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized functionality, with features like a high roof load rating and a purposeful look underscored by dark gray cladding.

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 offered improved performance over its predecessor. It included three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk variant added off-road capabilities with a low-range transfer case, extra driving modes, and increased ground clearance. However, the Compass's steering and handling were less impressive, with too much play and low grip. Fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser boasted Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor for a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It featured a full-time four-wheel-drive system with electronic locking differentials and a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving only 15.7 mpg during testing. The Land Cruiser's handling was less agile on twisty roads, but it offered a comfortable ride and impressive off-road performance.

The 2024 Jeep Compass prioritized utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges, a large color display, and physical climate controls. Visibility was good, and the interior offered ample headroom and legroom, even in the rear seats. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat also folded for added versatility.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, especially with the Premium Package, featured comfortable front seats with heated and ventilated cushions, but the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box seemed unnecessary. Cargo space was generous, with 46.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 82.1 cubic feet with them folded, though the load floor height was high.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB-C ports. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the home screen lacked direct app switching. Optional features included factory navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a semi-automated driving system.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and various connected service plans. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology. The voice recognition system performed well, providing accurate directions.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA for 2024, 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, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA rated the Land Cruiser with four stars overall, with five stars in side-impact testing.