Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · Jeep Compass Research
Three compact SUVs that answer different questions. The RAV4 is now hybrid-only and chases fuel economy, the CR-V leads on cargo room, and the Compass puts 4x4 on every trim and offers a Trail Rated Trailhawk. Here is how they compare, including where the Compass falls short.
| 2026 Jeep Compass | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 2026 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.0L turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic | Hybrid only | 1.5L turbo or hybrid |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 226 hp FWD / 236 hp AWD | 190 hp (1.5T); 204 hp system (Hybrid) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | Not published here | 179 lb-ft (1.5T) |
| Driveline | 4x4 standard on every trim | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Low range | Trailhawk, 20:1 crawl ratio | No | No |
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | 3,500 lb AWD; 1,750 lb FWD and LE AWD | 1,500 lb (1.5T); 1,000 lb (Hybrid) |
| Cargo, behind rear seat / max | 27.2 / 59.8 cu ft | Not published here | 39.3 / 76.5 cu ft (1.5T); 36.3 / 71.8 cu ft (Hybrid) |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in; Trailhawk 8.6 in | Not published here | 8.2 in AWD |
RAV4 output and towing are Toyota figures as reported in published 2026 coverage; we could not confirm RAV4 torque, cargo or ground clearance from Toyota, so they are left out.
| Model and version | City / Hwy / Combined mpg |
|---|---|
| Jeep Compass 4x4 (all 2026 trims) | 23 / 31 / 26 |
| Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD | 27 / 31 / 29 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD | 40 / 34 / 37 |
| Toyota RAV4 AWD SE/LE | 46 / 39 / 42 |
| Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE | 45 / 38 / 41 |
This is the Compass's weakest category. The RAV4 is sold only as a hybrid, and the AWD versions are rated 15 to 16 mpg better combined than the Compass. The CR-V Hybrid AWD is 11 mpg better. Even the gas CR-V 1.5T AWD is 3 mpg better combined, though it ties the Compass at 31 mpg on the highway. If most of your miles are stop-and-go on I-5 or Highway 99, the hybrids will save you real money at the pump.
Every Compass comes with Jeep Active Drive, a full-time 4x4 system with an on-demand clutch and a rear axle that can fully disconnect to save fuel. Selec-Terrain adds Auto, Snow and Sand/Mud modes. On the RAV4 and CR-V, AWD is offered by version, and front-drive versions are part of each lineup.
The bigger difference is the Trailhawk. It adds Jeep Active Drive Low with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Hill Descent Control, Rock mode, a 1-in lift for 8.6 in of clearance, skid plates, all-terrain tires and up to 19 in of water fording. Neither the RAV4 nor the CR-V offers low range. Note that the CR-V AWD's 8.2 in of clearance is slightly more than a standard Compass's 8.1 in; the Trailhawk is the one that clearly leads. See our Compass Trailhawk off-road guide for the full numbers.
Power: the Compass's 200 hp and 221 lb-ft are the strongest of the gas engines here, ahead of the CR-V 1.5T's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. The RAV4 hybrid makes more horsepower, 226 to 236 hp depending on version.
Towing: the Compass is rated up to 2,000 lb when properly equipped, more than either CR-V (1,500 lb for the 1.5T, 1,000 lb for the Hybrid). It does not out-tow the RAV4: AWD versions are rated up to 3,500 lb, though FWD and LE AWD versions drop to 1,750 lb. If you plan to pull a small boat to Folsom Lake every weekend, an AWD RAV4 has the higher rating.
Cargo: the Compass has the smallest cargo area of the three, 27.2 cu ft behind the rear seat and 59.8 cu ft with it folded. The CR-V 1.5T offers 39.3 and 76.5 cu ft. The upside of the Compass's size is a 173.4-in overall length that is easy to park in tight lots.
| If you mostly... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want the best fuel economy | Toyota RAV4 |
| Need the most cargo space and tow little | Honda CR-V |
| Tow up to 3,500 lb | Toyota RAV4 AWD (check the version) |
| Want 4x4 on every trim in a compact size | Jeep Compass |
| Want real low range, Rock mode and Trail Rated capability | Jeep Compass Trailhawk |
If you want a Jeep with hybrid mpg and more room, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is rated 37 mpg combined with 3,500 lb of towing. The best test is your own drive: bring your commute, your gear and your Tahoe plans, and drive a Compass back to back with whatever else is on your list.
The RAV4, by a wide margin. EPA rates the 2026 RAV4 AWD SE/LE at 42 mpg combined, versus 26 combined for the 2026 Compass 4x4.
Yes. Every Compass has Jeep Active Drive 4x4. The RAV4 and CR-V are sold in both FWD and AWD versions.
The AWD RAV4, rated up to 3,500 lb in published reports (1,750 lb for FWD and LE AWD). The Compass is rated up to 2,000 lb, and the CR-V 1,500 lb (1.5T) or 1,000 lb (Hybrid).
The Honda CR-V. The 1.5T has 39.3 cu ft behind the rear seat and 76.5 cu ft max, versus 27.2 and 59.8 cu ft in the Compass.
No. The Compass Trailhawk's Jeep Active Drive Low with a 20:1 crawl ratio and Rock mode has no equivalent on either.
Yes, compared with the CR-V 1.5T: 200 hp and 221 lb-ft versus 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. The RAV4 hybrid makes more horsepower, 226 to 236 hp.
Not in the US. The US Compass uses a 2.0L turbo gas engine. For a hybrid Jeep, look at the 2026 Jeep Cherokee.
Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · 8575 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-892-0515
*Jeep specifications are based on Jeep's 2026 and 2027 information. Honda figures are based on Honda's published 2026 information. Toyota output and towing figures are Toyota numbers as reported in published 2026 coverage and should be confirmed with Toyota. Fuel economy figures are 2026 EPA estimates for the versions shown; actual mileage will vary. All figures may change. Towing requires proper equipment; passengers and cargo reduce towing capacity. Pricing on in-stock vehicles excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer document processing charge and emission testing charge. Contact Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for current pricing and availability.