The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for 2019, launching its fifth generation. At times like these we like to compare the overhauled model to some of its rivals. Has the 2019 Toyota RAV4 surpassed the 2019 Jeep Compass, for example? In this comparison guide, we’ll explore that question. You’ll find that there are still plenty of reasons to buy the tried-and-true Compass over the redesigned RAV4.
The 2019 Jeep Compass starts at the cool low price of $21,845, about the same as a good little commuter sedan. But you’re not buying a commuter car; this is an off-roading-proficient Jeep sport utility crossover. Even with the base trim, you get standard cloth seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, rearview camera, Uconnect infotainment system with USB port, Bluetooth, six-speaker sound system, and 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Grab the Cold Weather package for heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start, or the Technology Group package for satellite radio and rear parking sensors.
By comparison, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 costs several thousand dollars more, starting at $25,500. Standard features include front-wheel drive, cloth upholstery, Entune infotainment system with 7-inch touch screen, USB port, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and six-speaker audio system. To its credit, standard driver assistance features are standard and include automatic high beams, rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Then again, you can get that safety gear on the Jeep too by upgrading to the Compass Latitude for about the same price as the base RAV4.
Off-roader: 2019 Jeep Compass
This one is easy. The Jeep Compass still wins hands down. In fact, though the Compass is an adequate pavement cruiser, off-roading is squarely in the Compass’s wheelhouse. The Trailhawk is definitely the best trim level for off-roading, featuring an Active Drive Low four-wheel-drive system, skid plates, tow hooks, off-road suspension, Selec-Terrain Management System, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and 8.5 inches of ground clearance. All 4WD models have four traction control settings – Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud – but the Trailhawk adds another setting: Rock.
On the other hand, the 2019 RAV4 doesn’t really do off-roading, does it? At least, that’s really by design. We’ll have to visit this comparison next year when Toyota unveils its 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road, a model specifically designed to leave the beaten path.
Passenger Space: 2019 Jeep Compass
On a final note, if you want more overall passenger space and more legroom in both front and back, the Jeep Compass should be more to your liking. To be specific, the Compass has an extra cubic foot of passenger space, almost an inch for legroom in front, and about half an inch more legroom in back. It’s a compact, right? You need all the space you can get.