2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's appeal, keeping it competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels, starting at $78,405. The Black Label trim, tested in a Central Park theme, featured a luxurious green interior and second-row captain's chairs, with a total price of $106,530.

The 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a refined design ethos, moving away from rugged styling. It featured new 17-inch wheels for Sport and Latitude models, with gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass lineup included five core trims and special editions, with prices ranging from under $32,000 to over $40,000. The Limited trim, tested with extra-cost paint and various packages, had an MSRP of $45,800. The Compass Limited, wrapped in Granite Crystal paint with 19-inch wheels, resembled a smaller Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents offered a sophisticated feel, though the price seemed steep. While a $35,800 Compass would be easy to recommend, the $45,800 sticker price made it less competitive against small luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration, and featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension was updated with Road Preview, enhancing ride quality. Despite its size, the Navigator handled well on various terrains, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. The electronic brake booster improved brake feel, and the SUV averaged 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with Selec-Terrain driving modes. The Trailhawk model featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and additional off-road capabilities. The Compass performed well on pavement and off-road, though the engine wasn't as powerful as some might hope. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg. The Compass offered improved driving dynamics over previous models, though it still exhibited some body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat provided ample space and comfort, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, with standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered a premium interior with leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat provided adequate space for adults, though legroom was limited. Interior storage was acceptable, with a small center armrest bin and an available wireless charging pad. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user-friendliness. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air updates. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel on higher trims. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and Alexa Built-in technology. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but required careful monitoring.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS for 2023.