2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller Grand Cherokee, especially in the High Altitude trim with its 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted in a dark sparkly finish. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, creating a more sophisticated and premium feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, entered 2023 without significant updates. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, adorned with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, exuded luxury, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall premium feel. Ambient lighting added character at night, enhancing the upscale cabin atmosphere.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came 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. This "Tigershark" engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, lacked the power and refinement expected in a compact SUV. The transmission's reluctance to downshift and the slow automatic stop/start system further detracted from the driving experience. 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator averaged 15.6 mpg in combined driving, below its EPA rating of 18 mpg. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension, however, failed to provide a smooth ride, especially with the 22-inch wheels. Excite mode improved handling on twisty roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size proved challenging in urban environments, making it cumbersome in tight spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned between the Renegade and Cherokee, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard, new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and premium leather upholstery elevated the interior's perceived quality. 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an extended body style for additional cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage ensured comfort. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, accommodating taller adults. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. The system impressed with its speed and accuracy, although it struggled with specific navigation requests. Additional options included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed exceptionally well, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided immersive sound. Lincoln Play, with dual touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, went unused by teenagers who preferred their smartphones.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, but the forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.