2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and luxurious features set it apart. The Navigator's exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with a body-color grille, sweeping LED lights, and a full-width taillight assembly. Chrome accents added a touch of class, while the Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo made a striking impression during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator offered a modern and muted interior with seven color palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test model. The wood trim, push-button gear selector, and floating center console added to its sophisticated appeal. The Black Label trims elevated the luxury with more textures and softer leather, while the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments for ultimate comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look with some exterior updates, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude model featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with a new dashboard design, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive in the lineup, offered a premium feel with features like a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a redesigned center console. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with its faster response and customization options, added to the Compass's appeal as a premium SUV.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a thrilling sound. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. Its towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Dubbed the "Tigershark," this engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and its performance was further hindered by a nine-speed automatic transmission that prioritized fuel efficiency over responsiveness. The Compass's drivetrain was its weakest point, with a busy and unrewarding character. However, the Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered different driving modes, and the Active Drive AWD system provided decent off-road capability. The Compass achieved an average of 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. While the Compass felt nimble and maneuverable, its driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride and excessive lateral motion on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, with ample room for six adults. It was technically a seven-passenger SUV, but the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs, making long drives a pleasure.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while smaller, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim enhanced its premium feel with features like eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard and Uconnect 5 infotainment system improved the interior's perceived quality. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Despite its compact size, the Compass offered a hands-free power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to newer models. Its 10-inch touchscreen, while functional, lacked the advanced features of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's infotainment system was intuitive but slow to react, and it didn't support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, it offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. While the Navigator's technology wasn't cutting-edge, it provided a straightforward and user-friendly experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was significantly faster and more responsive than its predecessor. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with over-the-air updates. The Compass offered a range of customization options, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in providing directions. Overall, the Uconnect 5 system impressed with its capabilities, though it wasn't the easiest to use in the industry.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars overall. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. However, the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features for the model year, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Compass was set to receive Highway Assist later in the year, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While the Compass's safety systems generally worked well, there were some issues with false positives and abrupt braking. As of the review, the Compass had not yet received updated safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.