2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understatement, a feat not easily achieved by a three-ton vehicle. While it shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique features, such as the body-color grille and sweeping LED lights. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and modern design, featuring a floating center console and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide edition was all about rugged practicality and off-road capability. The High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured a raised suspension and a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop. The Xtreme Recon package added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and rock rails, making it a formidable off-roader. The interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic materials, but it offered a unique driving experience. The Wrangler's design encouraged open-air driving, allowing drivers to feel connected to their surroundings, despite the challenges of entry and exit due to its raised suspension.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a surprisingly sprightly performance for such a large SUV. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and efficient, offering a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as some competitors, and its steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was ideal for challenging weather conditions. Despite an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, the Wrangler averaged 16.8 mpg during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience that appealed to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers and a cargo capacity of 103 cubic feet. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front seats were highly adjustable, providing a luxurious experience. However, the Navigator lacked some features found in competitors, such as electrically reclining second-row seats and side window shades. The large windows and high driving position ensured excellent visibility, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's interior was more utilitarian, with durable materials and a close driving position. Entry and exit were difficult due to the raised suspension, and rear-seat passengers faced additional challenges with narrow door openings. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch spare tire, required careful handling, especially on inclines.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app were included. The rear entertainment system offered Roku media streaming and various connectivity options, while the drive mode animations added a touch of elegance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features, but the standard setup met most needs. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system, along with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked knee airbags and had optional inflatable rear seat belts. Adaptive cruise control was available but did not offer advanced lane-keeping capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required careful driving.