2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand similar to the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition trim upgrades available. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while a fully loaded Compass Limited with all-wheel drive could reach up to $39,755. Despite its upscale features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a luxury SUV that stood out with its chrome and brightwork, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition but featuring unique front and rear styling elements. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system welcomed owners with sequential illumination. The Navigator offered a new Reserve Monochromatic Package for 2020, adding to its custom look. Available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, the Navigator's test vehicle was a standard-length Reserve with 4WD, priced at $92,385. The interior boasted mid-century modern styling cues, high-quality materials, and advanced technology, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. However, it was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and an average fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 25 mpg. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts. The Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. While it offered decent off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim, the Compass Limited test vehicle's simpler AWD system and lack of Rock mode limited its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes tailored to specific driving situations, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds for RWD and 8,300 pounds for 4WD. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system made towing easier. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, with a subtle yet aggressive engine note. However, fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg. The adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, but impact harshness was an issue with 22-inch wheels. The Navigator excelled on open roads and smooth pavement, with a tight turning radius and parking assist system aiding maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing took up some cargo space, and the cabin's scant storage room and awkwardly positioned cupholders could be aggravating.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers found plenty of room to stretch out. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain's chairs, with a large center console available. Triple-zone climate control and heated rear seat cushions ensured comfort across all three rows. The third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. The system also supported SiriusXM Guardian connected services, navigation, and an Alpine premium audio system. Uconnect was intuitive and easy to use, though some features were embedded in menus that should have been more accessible. The voice recognition system worked well with natural requests, but navigation required specific prompts. Overall, Uconnect impressed for the segment.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, taking time to load content. However, it provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. Sync 3's voice recognition system worked reasonably well but required specific command pathways. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, producing a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, extending availability to the base Sport trim level. Optional in the Safety and Security Group and Advanced Safety Group, the test vehicle included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting and insistent corrective actions. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but received mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came standard with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.