2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

2023 Jeep Wrangler
2023 Jeep Wrangler
$31,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Navigator
2023 Lincoln Navigator
$79,725MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Jeep Wrangler
$31,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Navigator
$79,725MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2023 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is the recommended choice for its superior off-road capabilities, variety of engine options, and open-air driving experience.

Overview

MSRP

$31,195

MSRP

$79,725

Average price

$41,887

Average price

$75,955

Listings

2055

Listings

419
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Outstanding off-road capability
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Limited storage space
  • Unimpressive on-road performance
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious third row
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor ride quality (in Normal mode)
  • Basic version of hands-free driving tech

2023 Jeep Wrangler Reviews Summary

The Jeep Wrangler’s roots go all the way back to World War II when the Willys-Overland company supplied the MB to the American troops. Fast forward some 60 years or so and we have the iconic Jeep Wrangler JL, one of the last body-on-frame SUVs left for folks who prioritize off-road capability over creature comforts.

Every Wrangler comes with solid front and rear axles and a five-link suspension system. However, some popular trim levels like the Sport, High Altitude, Willys Sport, and Sahara don’t get locking differentials or meaty tires, so choose your Wrangler carefully.

2023 Lincoln Navigator Reviews Summary

An era is coming to an end. It’s been 25 years since Lincoln launched the Navigator as an upscale version of the Ford Expedition, built on a traditional truck-style platform giving it significant towing and hauling capability. But the 2023 Lincoln Navigator can’t hit 20 mpg in combined driving, despite its use of a twin-turbo V6 engine instead of a traditional V8. And so, the gas-guzzling Navigator’s days are numbered, with electrification waiting just around the corner.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 285 hp V6

Engine

3.5L 440 hp V6

Drive Train

4X4

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

285 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

440 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

17

MPG City

17

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

23
2023 Jeep Wrangler
2023 Jeep Wrangler
$31,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Navigator
2023 Lincoln Navigator
$79,725MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Jeep Wrangler
$31,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Navigator
$79,725MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2023 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is the recommended choice for its superior off-road capabilities, variety of engine options, and open-air driving experience.

Overview
MSRP
$31,195
$79,725
Average price
$41,887
$75,955
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
5.0
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Outstanding off-road capability
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Limited storage space
  • Unimpressive on-road performance
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious third row
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor ride quality (in Normal mode)
  • Basic version of hands-free driving tech
Summary

The Jeep Wrangler’s roots go all the way back to World War II when the Willys-Overland company supplied the MB to the American troops. Fast forward some 60 years or so and we have the iconic Jeep Wrangler JL, one of the last body-on-frame SUVs left for folks who prioritize off-road capability over creature comforts.

Every Wrangler comes with solid front and rear axles and a five-link suspension system. However, some popular trim levels like the Sport, High Altitude, Willys Sport, and Sahara don’t get locking differentials or meaty tires, so choose your Wrangler carefully.

An era is coming to an end. It’s been 25 years since Lincoln launched the Navigator as an upscale version of the Ford Expedition, built on a traditional truck-style platform giving it significant towing and hauling capability. But the 2023 Lincoln Navigator can’t hit 20 mpg in combined driving, despite its use of a twin-turbo V6 engine instead of a traditional V8. And so, the gas-guzzling Navigator’s days are numbered, with electrification waiting just around the corner.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 285 hp V6
3.5L 440 hp V6
Drive Train
4X4
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
8
Horsepower
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
440 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
17
17
MPG Highway
25
23
Look and feel
2023 Jeep Wrangler
9/10
2023 Lincoln Navigator
7/10

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, with its fourth-generation JL design, maintained a rugged, no-nonsense aesthetic. It was available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, and drivers could remove the doors for an open-air experience. The Wrangler’s windshield folded down, and it offered various top options for those who enjoyed open-air exploring. The design featured wide fenders, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted up for easy access to the cargo area. The interior was practical with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-colored dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was all black with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, and the ambient lighting added contrast at night. The Navigator Reserve’s cabin looked upscale and used quality materials, though some chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury. The test vehicle also included the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV streaming capability, though it went largely unused by teenagers.

Performance
2023 Jeep Wrangler
9/10
2023 Lincoln Navigator
7/10

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of engine options tailored for off-road performance. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Torque enthusiasts could opt for the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 21 miles of all-electric range. The Wrangler’s off-road capabilities were enhanced by different transfer cases, with the Selec-Trac providing a 2.72 low range and the Rock-Trac offering a 4:1 low range. However, the 392 model had issues with brakes and steering, which were not as problematic in other trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview helped prepare for changes in pavement surface. The Navigator’s ride quality was inconsistent, with the Excite mode improving handling but reducing fuel efficiency. The SUV’s nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, and its size proved a liability in urban settings.

Form and function
2023 Jeep Wrangler
8/10
2023 Lincoln Navigator
8/10

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s front seats were comfortable, but heated seats were only available in the 392 or with a cold-weather package. The rear seat could fit three in the four-door models, but space was tight, and the rear doors were small. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and center consoles. The Wrangler offered 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The hard top could be removed in one piece or in two front panels, and the soft top was fairly easy to remove. The Sky One-Touch power soft top was the most convenient option, allowing the top to slide back in 17 seconds. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards made it easier to enter and exit the cabin. The test vehicle featured Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults. Storage space was generous, with large trays and smaller compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model provided 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.

Technology
2023 Jeep Wrangler
8/10
2023 Lincoln Navigator
9/10

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system, while the tester had a larger 8.4-inch screen. The system initially appeared complicated but was intuitive once drivers became familiar with it. Jeep’s off-road pages provided detailed information about power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. The Wrangler featured a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and four auxiliary switches for aftermarket lighting, but lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an available widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated the phone, and the rear-seat entertainment system was largely ignored by teenagers.

Safety
2023 Jeep Wrangler
6/10
2023 Lincoln Navigator
8/10

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model and optional on other trims. Lane-keeping assist was not available. The IIHS gave the Wrangler mixed ratings, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five stars for rollover ratings, but it had not been rated for side crashes.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) in the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assist. BlueCruise 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, but the IIHS had not provided a full assessment of its crashworthiness.

Cost Effectiveness
2023 Jeep Wrangler
7/10
2023 Lincoln Navigator
7/10
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.