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Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · Jeep Compass Research

Jeep Compass vs Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

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.

Quick answer: The Jeep Compass is the only one of the three with 4x4 standard on every trim and the only one offering low range, in the Trailhawk with a 20:1 crawl ratio. Its 200 hp and 221 lb-ft beat the CR-V's 1.5L turbo. The RAV4 and the CR-V Hybrid get far better fuel economy, the RAV4 tows more in AWD form, and the CR-V has more cargo space. Pick the Compass if standard 4x4, trail capability and a compact footprint matter more than mpg and cargo volume.
4x4standard on every Compass
26 mpgCompass EPA combined
42 mpgRAV4 AWD SE/LE combined
39.3 cu ftCR-V 1.5T cargo, rear seat up

Side by side

2026 Jeep Compass2026 Toyota RAV42026 Honda CR-V
Powertrain2.0L turbo I-4, 8-speed automaticHybrid only1.5L turbo or hybrid
Horsepower200 hp226 hp FWD / 236 hp AWD190 hp (1.5T); 204 hp system (Hybrid)
Torque221 lb-ftNot published here179 lb-ft (1.5T)
Driveline4x4 standard on every trimFWD or AWDFWD or AWD
Low rangeTrailhawk, 20:1 crawl ratioNoNo
Max towing2,000 lb3,500 lb AWD; 1,750 lb FWD and LE AWD1,500 lb (1.5T); 1,000 lb (Hybrid)
Cargo, behind rear seat / max27.2 / 59.8 cu ftNot published here39.3 / 76.5 cu ft (1.5T); 36.3 / 71.8 cu ft (Hybrid)
Ground clearance8.1 in; Trailhawk 8.6 inNot published here8.2 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.

EPA fuel economy (4x4 and AWD versions)

Model and versionCity / Hwy / Combined mpg
Jeep Compass 4x4 (all 2026 trims)23 / 31 / 26
Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD27 / 31 / 29
Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD40 / 34 / 37
Toyota RAV4 AWD SE/LE46 / 39 / 42
Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE45 / 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.

4x4 vs AWD: where the Compass pulls ahead

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, towing and cargo

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.

Which one fits you

If you mostly...Consider
Want the best fuel economyToyota RAV4
Need the most cargo space and tow littleHonda CR-V
Tow up to 3,500 lbToyota RAV4 AWD (check the version)
Want 4x4 on every trim in a compact sizeJeep Compass
Want real low range, Rock mode and Trail Rated capabilityJeep 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.

More Jeep Compass research

Compass vs RAV4 vs CR-V FAQs

Which gets better mpg, the Jeep Compass or the Toyota RAV4?

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.

Is 4x4 standard on the Compass but not the RAV4 or CR-V?

Yes. Every Compass has Jeep Active Drive 4x4. The RAV4 and CR-V are sold in both FWD and AWD versions.

Which tows more: Compass, RAV4 or CR-V?

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).

Which has the most cargo space?

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.

Do the RAV4 or CR-V offer low range like the Compass Trailhawk?

No. The Compass Trailhawk's Jeep Active Drive Low with a 20:1 crawl ratio and Rock mode has no equivalent on either.

Is the Compass more powerful than the CR-V?

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.

Is there a hybrid Compass?

Not in the US. The US Compass uses a 2.0L turbo gas engine. For a hybrid Jeep, look at the 2026 Jeep Cherokee.

Drive the Compass back to back in Elk Grove

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.

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