2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand, much like 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 the High Altitude upgrade for the Compass Limited with all-wheel drive was priced from $32,645. Our test vehicle, a 2020 Compass Limited with AWD and numerous options, totaled $39,755, including the destination charge. Despite its premium features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, carrying over from its 2020 model, was a sharp-looking car defined by crisp lines and heavy use of chrome. Inside, it differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin that exuded comfort and warmth, featuring plenty of soft-touch materials and a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Aviator's trims included Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring, each offering progressively more luxurious features. Our Grand Touring test model came with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, adaptive headlights, and Lincoln’s Multi-Contour Seats with a massaging function, making it a standout in terms of luxury and comfort.

The 2020 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite these figures, the engine 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, while the automatic engine stop/start system could be deactivated for better efficiency. The Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness, and the steering was heavy and vague. However, the Compass excelled in off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth swell of power, though the Aviator's heft was noticeable in corners. The drive mode selector offered modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," making the Aviator well-suited for highways and cul-de-sacs but less composed in city driving.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured the 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. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, though the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing took up some space. Interior storage was scant, and cupholders were awkwardly positioned.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The second row, especially in our Grand Touring test model, featured captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The use of power-button door releases was a potential functional issue, as they could be problematic if the battery died.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. It also supported SiriusXM Guardian connected services, navigation, and an Alpine premium audio system. Uconnect was intuitive and featured appealing graphics, though some functions were embedded in menus. The voice recognition system worked well, and primary stereo and climate controls were separated from the display.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape format of the screen made for a natural layout, and the system was easy to use with a sensible menu layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, taking up the whole screen with large icons. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics and multiple muted colors.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, available even on the base Sport trim. Our 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 being more insistent than desired. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but had mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Our Grand Touring test model had the Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, adding reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. These features worked seamlessly and were not over-intrusive. The Aviator earned top marks from NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.