2026 Jeep Compass vs Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester: Complete Compact SUV Showdown
The 2026 Jeep Compass is the brand's contender in the fierce compact SUV segment. Competing against popular rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester, the Compass often finds itself on the car shopping list for those looking for their next perfect ride. This guide compares the Compass with competitors in terms of performance, features, value, and practicality to help you find the right SUV for you and your lifestyle.
Performance and Powertrain Comparison
The 2026 Jeep Compass features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers power through an all-wheel-drive system.
The Honda CR-V's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine outputs 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the drivetrain, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid produces 226 to 236 horsepower. The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid makes 320 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the Subaru Forester's 2.5-liter flat-four engine makes 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system boosts output to 194 horsepower. It's clear that the Compass has similar performance to competitors with naturally aspirated and turbocharged powerplants, with only the RAV4 PHEV leading the segment.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency Showdown
The 2026 Compass achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The Honda CR-V gets EPA fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg city/33 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and 27 mpg city/31 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. Hybrid CR-Vs have EPA ratings of 40 mpg city/34 mpg highway for AWD models.
The Subaru Forester gets 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with standard all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to get 44 mpg city/39 mpg highway.
Interior Space and Comfort Analysis
The 2026 Compass offers a total passenger volume of about 100.0 cubic feet. In comparison, the Subaru Forester provides a total passenger volume of 111.6-111.9 cubic feet, which leads the segment. The Honda CR-V comes next with 103.5-106 cubic feet of passenger volume, and the RAV4 offers the least passenger volume of 98.9 cubic feet. While the Forester offers the highest cabin space, the Honda CR-V offers the most comfortable seating arrangement thanks to its supportiveness and flexibility.
Which Compact SUV Wins?
While the Compass offers a powerful engine, competitive pricing, attractive styling, and standard all-wheel drive, the Honda CR-V is the undisputed winner in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V excels in areas such as seat comfort, fuel economy, cargo space, acceleration, and upscale interior features. Want to get behind the wheel to get a real-world feel for the new Compass? Check out our inventory at Montrose Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to see how this compact SUV fits into your life.