2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, but it retained much of its look from the 2017 redesign. The High Altitude test vehicle featured appealing 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance despite its compact size. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, significantly enhancing its premium SUV feel.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator continued to dazzle with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, now featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display and a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system further elevated the Navigator’s interior experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and its noisy performance at high revs was a drawback. The nine-speed automatic transmission paired with the AWD system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but often resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass High Altitude averaged 23.8 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA’s estimate of 25 mpg. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Navigator to tow between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator’s 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes ensured it handled snow and mud effortlessly. The SUV averaged 18.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly above the EPA’s estimate of 18 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with front seats providing eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The High Altitude trim featured premium leather upholstery, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a redesigned dashboard with the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage features, while the third-row seat provided roomy accommodations. The Navigator’s cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Additional options included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate but had some limitations in finding specific locations.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions, with clear markings and a matte finish for easy use. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional audio experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, which pairs adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later in the model year. The Compass also offered a parallel and perpendicular parking assistance system and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. However, the forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with the engine’s performance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required the driver’s attention. The Navigator’s safety features aimed to enhance driving convenience and safety, though the technology still required human oversight.