2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to embody luxury and functionality without significant updates from its previous iteration. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model maintained its appeal with a sophisticated design and high-end features. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, showcased the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin was predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, offering an upscale feel. However, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall luxury impression. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, although a costly option, was largely ignored by younger passengers in favor of their smartphones.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance, aligning with the design ethos of its larger Jeep siblings. The Compass offered a new 17-inch wheel design for Sport and Latitude models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The interior of the Limited test vehicle featured a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, providing a sophisticated look. Despite its compact size, the Compass managed to offer a comfortable seating arrangement for adults in both rows. However, the as-tested price of $45,800 seemed steep for a small SUV, suggesting that a more modestly equipped Compass might offer better value.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The test vehicle averaged 15.6 mpg on a Southern California testing loop, slightly below its EPA rating of 18 mpg. While the Navigator's ride quality was criticized for being truck-like over smaller bumps, the Excite mode improved handling on winding roads. However, the SUV's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, transformed the Compass from underpowered to adequately spirited. The Trailhawk variant offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system and a Rock driving mode. Despite a 27 mpg EPA rating, the test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg in mixed driving conditions. While the new powertrain improved the driving experience, the Compass still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats, providing comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved challenging to perfect. The Navigator's storage solutions were ample, and the extended-length Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, with up to 120.2 cubic feet available behind the front seats.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for four adults, despite its narrow dimensions. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The Limited test vehicle's interior was well-appointed, though the hard plastic edge of the center console was a minor discomfort. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. An adjustable load floor added versatility to the cargo area.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the Sync 4 interface. It supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. The digital assistant performed well, but the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices. Lincoln Play provided rear-seat entertainment, though it was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant was responsive, and the system received OTA updates. The Limited test vehicle also included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, was available but required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder as standard features. It offered a suite of ADAS, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Highway Assist, available on higher trims, provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. However, the system struggled with certain road conditions. The Compass had not yet received full crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.