Jeep Compass vs. Toyota Rav4 specs

1. Specifications Comparison

Interior space and design are always aspects for potential crossover buyers. Both vehicles provide a spacious and comfortable interior. The Compass has a bit more room, providing 126.7 cubic feet passenger volume compared to 124.9 in the RAV4. The Compass seats 5 comfortably, and the RAV4 holds up to 5 passengers as well, but the Adventure AWD model's key point is a fifth seat door in order to fit up to 7 passengers. The Compass provides an ample rear cargo area of 27.2 cubic feet, beating out the RAV4's 24.5.

Selec-Terrain traction management gives drivers the option to choose between auto, snow, sand, mud, and rock modes. Each setting will ensure the Compass can handle itself no matter the terrain. SD can send up to 100 percent of the engine's available torque to any one wheel and can also control that wheel's speed and traction by applying the brake.

RAV4: Adventure AWD models come with Dynamic Torque Control AWD. DTCAWD will enhance the RAV4's ability to send up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels and distribute it to the left or right rear wheel for improved handling. Although under most normal driving conditions, it will disengage the rear wheel until needed. An effective new enhancement, the Jeep Compass comes with a very advanced 4WD system called Jeep Active Drive (JAD) for most of the AWD models. JAD has the ability to completely and indefinitely engage the 4WD.

In regards to engine performance, the Jeep Compass puts down improved numbers in almost every side-by-side comparison to the RAV4. Depending on the trim level, the Compass comes with a 2.4L inline-4, getting you about 180 hp at 6400 rpm, 175 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm, and an effective fuel economy to boot. Both the 2WD and 4WD RAV4 will come with the option of engine stop/start technology. Both vehicle's systems function only under certain conditions. The engine will turn off when the vehicle comes to a stop.

Among the most important factors when deciding which SUV is right for you will include how those SUVs will perform when it comes to daily driving, space, safety, and technology effectiveness. Those will cover our benchmarks for a thorough stretch in comparing the recently redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass and the person with a dependable-to-a-flaw track record, the Toyota RAV4.

1.1. Engine Performance

Jeep Compass features an in-line 4 cylinder MultiAir engine that comes with an optional AWD. This 2.4L engine offers a lively 172 hp and 165 lb/ft torque. The real compromise with this engine comes from its CVT2 transmission that seems to sap a lot of the power and responsiveness from the engine. Our test drive clocked the Compass at an 11.3 second 0-60 mph time which seems like a mild lead but the engine felt overworked constantly. Gas mileage was also a bit disappointing and underwhelming at 21 mpg for mostly city driving but on the upside, the engine requires less maintenance and gets the job done. Optionally, the Compass is offered with a FWD and a 2.0L I4 DOHC 16 valve Dual VVT engine that makes 158 hp and 141 lb/ft torque. An even milder choice, the bigger engine is better for an overall package. In comparison, the Toyota RAV4 offers a more responsive and zippy 2.5L 4 cylinder engine that produces 179 hp and 172 lb/ft torque. The RAV4 feels a lot more powerful than the Compass and our test drive clocked a respectable 8.4 seconds 0-60 mph time which is more than acceptable for a vehicle of the RAV4's type. The biggest advantage is the fuel efficiency with an estimated 22-28 mpg and its ULEV certification. This engine now comes with a 4-speed ECT-i automatic that requires no tranny maintenance and as forceful as an analogy as it is, it blows the CVT2 transmission out of the water. The RAV4 is a bit slower with the acceleration compared to its previous generation with a 7.6-second 0-60 mph time but the smaller 4-cylinder is much more efficient and cleaner. The non-optional 3.5L V6 engine is a powerful solution to those unsatisfied with the 4-cylinder models and comes with a performance-based 5-speed ECT-i transmission. This engine makes an impressive 269 hp and 246 lb/ft torque but the listener complained the increased engine noise and minimal fuel efficiency (19-26 mpg). Overall, Jeep has become the more value-based and less maintenance-requiring route with its engines but the small power and efficiency gap may be the decision factor for many. The RAV4 offers a more SUV-typical feel with its power and acceleration and may be a more fitting choice for an SUV seeker although that comes with greater fuel costs and maintenance. (NEAMȚU)

1.2. Fuel Efficiency

Jeep Compass offers 4x2 and 4x4 configurations for fuel efficiency. Jeep Compass has a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres, while RAV4 has a little more capacity with 60 litres. Jeep Compass has an ARAI claimed mileage of 16.3 km/l, in contrast to Toyota RAV4, which has a claimed mileage of 14.7 - 18.7 km/l. Jeep Compass, on the other hand, offers a 1.4L petrol engine across all the variants, while RAV4 is offered with a choice to select a 2.0L petrol engine in FWD only or a 2.5L petrol engine in AWD. While selecting the engine, Jeep has the upper hand for a better fuel-efficient larger capacity engine, as RAV4 only offers a 2.0L engine for better fuel efficiency. With fuel prices soaring high, a better fuel-efficient engine makes a choice to select a 4x2 configuration. Jeep Compass still makes a better option in terms of fuel efficiency, as compared to similarly priced AWD versions of Toyota RAV4. With the above scenario given comparison, both the SUVs are a good case for owners looking to get a large SUV within the same price bracket, with Jeep Compass offering a better option for a more fuel-efficient engine. But if customers are willing to spend extra on an SUV, Toyota RAV4 offers an option to get a larger powerful engine with a trade-off in fuel efficiency.

1.3. Interior Space

The interior space of the two SUVs is quite different from the exterior size. The Toyota RAV4 has been redesigned for 2006 and has more interior space than its predecessor. The RAV4's back seat is able to slide fore and aft to increase passenger comfort or the cargo area. It also has reclining seatbacks, and the brand's first seven-passenger seating option with the available third-row seat. The Jeep Compass retains a more traditional SUV look inside, with the availability of the vinyl-folding rear gate speakers for the tailgating type consumer. The Jeep Compass has 0.3" more front headroom than the Toyota RAV4, and 0.9" more front legroom. The Toyota RAV4 has 0.6" more rear headroom and 0.4" more rear legroom. The Jeep Compass has 0.7" more shoulder room in the front and 0.7" more rear shoulder room. The dimensions for the Compass allow for 3" more front hip room and 1" more rear hip room than the RAV4. Interior cargo space for the Toyota RAV4 and the Jeep Compass is where the differences in space are most noticeable. The Toyota RAV4 has 36.4 ft³ of cargo space with the rear seat up, and a very spacious 73 ft³ with the rear seat folded down. The Jeep Compass has an economic 22.7 cu ft interior passenger and cargo volume, while the interior passenger volume for the Toyota RAV4 is much larger with 108 ft³. The cargo volume for the Compass is 62.7 cu ft with the rear seat folded down; more cargo space than the RAV4, but a significantly larger difference in rear seat fold-down cargo space than for the volume with the rear seats up. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 has a larger interior volume and more comfortable interior space for passengers than the Jeep Compass. (Schmitt, 2020)(POSTERS)(Nicoletti et al.2021)(Hindam, 2020)

1.4. Safety Features

Safety has been a strong suit for both the Toyota and Jeep brands. The Jeep Compass comes with more advanced safety features than the Toyota RAV4. Both offer anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and airbags including front and full-length curtain airbags. The Compass comes with an anti-roll-over system. Side airbags for the RAV4 are optional. Both come with a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles; the Compass has a powertrain warranty for a lifetime! The RAV4 powertrain is only covered for 5 years. A large factor in the decision between these two vehicles is the safety of you and your passengers. For that reason, we feel the Compass comes out on top. Safety is one of those categories in which it is difficult to fully ascertain which car might truly have an advantage in true real-life safety. Both vehicles have received positive crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the Compass has even been a Top Safety Pick+. Generally speaking, the RAV4 brings quite a few more active and passive safety features to the table while most of those same features are available on various Compass trim levels.

1.5. Technology and Infotainment

There are a host of quality tech and handy driver aids available with the RAV4 such as a panoramic parking monitor, wireless phone charging, and an intelligent surround view monitor which has an under vehicle camera, all of which are designed to make life as easy as possible. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come as standard in the RAV4, which is the first time they have been available in a Toyota model in the UK. They can work through the 8-inch infotainment system and allow users to connect their smartphone to the vehicle and access various apps on the dashboard. On the other hand, the Compass has a range of standard and optional features including an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, which offers satellite navigation and seamless integrated access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For drivers who are always on the move, the Compass offers an available 4G Wi-Fi hotspot which can allow internet connection for up to eight wireless-enabled devices. Music lovers may be tempted by the Compass which has an optional Beats audio sound system.

2. Exterior Design

Exterior design is an important aspect in vehicles today as it is the first thing other people see. It is something that gives a lasting impression on the vehicle and is something that separates each vehicle from the other. In comparing the Jeep Compass and the Toyota RAV4, exterior design is a noticeable difference. The Jeep Compass starts with the traditional, rugged look that all Jeeps have had. This gives the Jeep an off-road style look to it, and looks as if it is ready for any type of adventure. The front of the Jeep Compass has the traditional seven-slot grille that Jeep has always had. The front of the Jeep looks aggressive with the round headlights and the lower fog lights. The Jeep appears wide and tough, and its high beltline gives it the look of a defender. On the side of the Jeep, the hardtop roof which is typical with all Jeeps gives the vehicle an aggressive look. The 18-inch aluminum wheels or the optional 19-inch gives this vehicle a tall and wide look to it. The rear end tapers to the back and the modern style LED taillights give the new Compass a sharp look. The overall style of the new Compass is sleek and tough-looking. It now has that modern look and style to it while keeping that rugged Jeep tradition. With this new redesign, the best word to describe the Jeep Compass is 'formidable'. Now the Toyota RAV4 is known for its compact size and fuel efficiency but it has gone through a design change when comparing it to older models. The new RAV4 has a sporty, modern and less rugged look to it and almost has the appearance of a hatchback. It appears more wagon-like with a wider look but it is still considered a compact SUV. The front of the RAV4 gives off a smoother look and the front grille appears to be smiling. This vehicle is now lower and wider and maintains its fluid, sporty look from front to rear. The rear end of this vehicle does not have a lower hatch door and the RAV4 now comes standard with all-season tires. Overall, the RAV4 has a smooth, fluid, and sporty modern look to it and is different compared to older RAV4 models. This is a big change for Toyota and is to cater to those who want a modern-looking compact SUV and has the new intention of getting younger buyers.

2.1. Jeep Compass Exterior

Mastering the uncommon mastery of modesty and sheer elegance, Jeep Compass devises its set of aura on a classic 4-door frame. Though a 4-door SUV in the market is adopting monotone aerodynamics and natural features of a classic competition car, Compass emerges with skillful mixtures of modernity and subtlety that set it apart from the crowd. The high fenders speak to its SUV image, the essence of power, molded with a hint of an upward swoosh on the lower rocker panel, giving it a slim waist of sportiness. It blends in well with a formal meeting of the traditional Jeep grille on top, the competition standard large wrap-around headlights and small lower bracing fog lights, and is backed up by the smooth flow of the roof slope and an unusual abrupt end rear hatch. The idea of traditional Jeep fans may not agree with the style change, even if it's not widely accepted in modern compact SUV market comparisons, but there's always a market for any new style and the executor of dignity right now. Dimensions? Not the best in the compact class, but growing 3 inches in length and 1 in width doesn't hurt. The often debated question: Does it classify as an SUV? What is an SUV? Derived from a truck chassis must be compulsory, hence having full 4WD capabilities too. Underneath the current Compass is actually a global platform that offshore's Fiat and Alfa Romeo and their respective larger-sized sedan and wagon. Hence, doing away with the previous Jeep-style off-road tuned vehicle, the Compass is fully fledged in a unibody construction with large percentages of mild high-tensile steel and a compliant 4WD on a Non-Skid platform. Translation? SUV and Crossover in the current market are often mixed, and it's all a matter of what intensity consumer requires of what end of off-road capability. In this instance, the Compass is placed on the Crossover scale in terms of terrific road handling, a dose of off-road and good graces, and the Crossover faction is now leading in the market for those who require a taste of a rugged yet refined vehicle. Overall, the slippery slope of Desire? Mission accomplished.

2.2. Toyota Rav4 Exterior

With an aggressive new face, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 has a sportier appearance with its new front end, adding even more to its impressive redesign and dynamic forms. The SE and Limited grades feature a sportier S-Code paint design consisting of silver-painted accents around the lower trim and a silver lower face in order to differentiate it with a unique and more premium look. The XLE grade's standard front and rear silver skid plate adds a more stylish and higher quality look for the drivers who want a great sense of adventure. The Platinum grade that has been added to the lineup is the all-new top-of-the-line grade that will give you a level of luxury and excellent style. With distinctive badging and a unique wheel, the RAV4 Platinum will be the standout vehicle of the RAV4 series.

The 2017 RAV4's newly improved sleek and strong exterior is designed to help you get the most out of every adventure. With a more aggressive front end and a new sporty face, getting to where you need to go is with confidence and great style. The SE, Limited, and Platinum models feature a redesigned rear bumper and revised tail light to highlight its strong presence. When you add the LED headlights and DRL Daytime Running Lights, the driver will gain great visibility at all times and be safer on the road. The new all-round flush-surface will reduce wind noise and achieve great vehicle stability. Under the fender wells, there are new robust rocker panel moldings, more appealing to the eye and added body protection against dirt and debris. And finally, to add allure, there are the brand new selection of wheel designs that will give it a more passive and distinctive approach.

3. Interior Design

The Compass's interior features sweeping shapes and high-quality materials. The Latitude and Limited trims receive a 7-inch color display in the gauge cluster. The center stack's Uconnect system is easy to use and includes either a 5.0-inch or optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. It's also one of the more comfortable compact SUVs, especially in Limited trim with its driver's seat lumbar adjust. Too bad the height and reach adjustment of the steering wheel is limited to Latitude and Limited trims. Front and rear accommodations are comfortable and supportive, and the selection of soft-touch materials gives it a more premium feel. We noticed limited storage space in the console, and the overhead sunglasses bin is practically nonexistent. Cargo space measures 27.2 cubic feet behind the 60/40-split rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The power liftgate on the Limited model can be programmed to stop at various heights to prevent it from hitting your garage door, and optional for 2018 is a pair of beats 6x9-inch speakers cleverly located in the flip-down liftgate, great for tailgating. A power passenger seat is newly optional for 2018. The Altitude special edition adds gloss black exterior accents, bold 18-inch aluminum wheels, and unique badging. An available Premium Lighting Group includes Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and LED tail lamps. A Black Roof option is available with all exterior paint options. The 2018 Jeep Compass is available in the following exterior colors: Redline Pearl Coat, White, Billet Silver Metallic, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat, Laser Blue Pearl Coat, Olive Green Pearl Coat, Spitfire Orange Clear Coat, and as well as the available colors of Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat and true Blue Pearl Coat.

3.1. Jeep Compass Interior

Step inside the Compass and you will see a very large and well-insulated cabin. The sound insulation is very good and the road noise and wind noise are very well contained. The Compass is feature-loaded, it comes with push-button start with keyless entry. Then the Compass comes with climate control along with a humongous 8.4-inch touchscreen starting right from the Limited variant. Along with these, the Compass comes with well over 50 safety and security features. The Compass is serious about getting back Jeep's SUV legacy and these interiors are up there with the segment best. ARAI rated fuel efficiency of Jeep Compass is about 17.1 kmpl.

The Compass feels very spacious with lots of legroom and headroom on offer. The seats are large and very supportive. The driving seat is a very nice place to be and is very comfortable with good all-round visibility. It gets electrically adjustable seats along with a memory function and lumbar support too. The rear seats are set at a good height and there is very good under-thigh support. This is a 5-seater and gets a flat floor at the rear which will be comfortable for a third passenger as well. The rear seat gets 3 adjustable head restraints which is a rare feature in the cars sold in India. The boot space is 438 litres, which is very large, and has a low loading lip making it very easy to use. The Compass comes with a panoramic sunroof that adds to the feeling of airiness in the car. This sunroof is the largest in the segment and is a very welcome feature for the Indian market.

The new Jeep Compass gets a big change over the previous version. It is a great looking compact SUV that gets much improved interiors to compete against the likes of Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster. The Compass gets all black treatment on interiors and it gets a dual-tone dashboard layout. The top-end variant gets a soft-touch dashboard and leather seats. The steering wheel and the gear knob are also wrapped in leather and feel nice to hold. The analog and digital console is separated by a large MID unit. All of this adds character to the Compass and gives a nice and upmarket feel.

3.2. Toyota Rav4 Interior

Furthermore, a frameless rearview mirror, the addition of LED light for the vanity mirrors, and an increased number of speakers and wattage for the audio system will add to the quality in the changes for high grades.

Higher-grade models are fitted with a newly designed gauge cluster that applies a 4.2" TFT color display, partial leather seats, and new trim on automatic air-conditioning dials. The steering wheel has a more premium feel with audio, MID, and telephone switches now with satin plated bezels for a more visually noticeable effect.

The RAV4 internal layout includes functional features such as a bottle opener placed in the front cup holder and second-row passengers are able to access and store personal contents in between the front seats with the storage tray located under the center cluster. High-grade models get the added luxury of an electric park brake with automatic hold, both features to free some space in the center console area.

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 project team aimed to cater to the nature of the model's fan base by providing the interior with as much practicality as possible, offering all the essential content layout features that are simple to use. Black is the color theme for the interior with some variations in toning on the seats and door armrest areas. A silver accent line running through the dashboard and doors adds contrast to the dark tones. Although high-grade models are available with an option of either a black or mocha brown interior schemes.

4. Pricing and Options

Both within the Jeep garage and throughout the industry, the Compass has proved to be a competent, able small SUV. Introduced as a late 2006 model, the compact Jeep Compass is built on the same DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi GS platform that underpins the Dodge Caliber. It is also marketed to a similar buyer with both car-based and outdoors-driving intentions. With a slant more towards the SUV market, Jeep has used terms such as "fuel-efficient" and "fun to drive" to describe the Compass. With a car-like unibody construction, the Compass is more nimble and practical than more traditional, truck-like Jeeps. A 2007 rally edition put some real off-road capability into a FWD-based model with off-road tires and a few other changes, and the more rough-and-tumble capability is realized in the available all-wheel drive and CVT2 better suits it towards a crowd looking for traditional Jeep capability. With relatively few changes, the Compass has earlier years 2007-09 can be also thought of as essentially the same vehicle. A well-known, trusted entity in the car market, Toyota introduced the RAV4 in the mid-90s. Over the past couple of decades, consumption of SUVs has vastly increased and forward on the bandwagon as one of the consummate consumers of gas guzzlers, Toyota with the RAV4 joined at a time where the market was becoming flooded with lighter, car-like SUVs including Honda CRVs and Subaru Foresters. Coming a long way from the more truck-like 3-door model offered with a removable soft top, the RAV4 now offers a full line including a compact 2-row version and stretched out 3-row current generation that is quite easily the substitute for a mid-sized SUV. Java drive comes standard and though it doesn't exhibit the same Toyota lifted the RAV4 from a more car-like base than previous generations. Though the current generation has decreased off-road capability relative to earlier models, the RAV4 has always been offered with options for 4WD and is considered to be quite reliable in harsh climatic situations.

4.1. Jeep Compass Pricing

A base Jeep Compass Sport comes in at $20,995, $3,760 less than Toyota's RAV4. The Sport model includes a 2.0L I4 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, three grade 4x4 system, 4-wheel antilock brakes, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), side curtain air bags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, AM/FM radio with a single-disc CD player at six speakers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, fold-flat 60/40 rear seats and an auxiliary outlet. The Patriot is Jeep's least expensive model. A base Patriot FWD begins at $15,995 and the 4x4 version starts at a cost of $17,995. Next in line, the Jeep Compass Latitude has an initial price of $23,295 for manual 2WD model. The Latitude has the option to upgrade a 2.4L I4 engine. If the engine upgrade is selected, the CVT2 transmission and Freedom Drive I is automatically included for a grand total of $24,995. The Jeep Compass Limited is the highest listed price for all the Jeep Compass versions. The Limited model has a base price of $26,045 for 2WD with the 2.4L I4 engine. The CVT2 transmission is standard and the Freedom Drive I is an extra $1,200. These listed prices are MSRP and can vary depending on discounts and incentives available at the time of purchase.

4.2. Toyota Rav4 Pricing

The range includes the basic offering at $27,990 (Versus) with the most expensive non-Limited edition being the $44,990 (both on-road). The different price points are not so much reflective of different features levels, but alternative powertrain situations. CV (constant velocity) transmission and 2WD is standard, with the cheapest manual and automatic 4WD options requiring a $3000 premium (and including a low range gear). Step up to the $44,990 (on-road) diesel and you are limited to auto transmission and a $4000 premium for the same 4WD setup. The Limited petrol with CV transmission ranges from $39,990 to $43,990. The $43,990 AWD automatic and $45,990 AWD diesel are the only Limited versions to offer an auto and AWD as standard. In the middle of all this, you've got the Sport and Longitude model Ranges to confuse and frustrate. More on that at a later date. The pricing of Jeeps in various guises stretches to the $50k mark, this is where, for example, a nearly feature-packed Grand Cherokee Limited is nudging the $60k+ price tag.

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Schmitt, A. (2020). Right of way: Race, class, and the silent epidemic of pedestrian deaths in America. atlantaurbanist.com

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Nicoletti, L., Romano, A., König, A., Köhler, P., Heinrich, M., & Lienkamp, M. (2021). An estimation of the lightweight potential of battery electric vehicles. Energies, 14(15), 4655. mdpi.com

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