2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 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 version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test model featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup offered various trims, starting from the base Sport to the top-tier Trailhawk Elite, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 22-inch design in Canada. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille, which some felt diminished its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display and an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology further enhanced the Navigator's appeal. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level starting at $107,500, excluding a $2,395 destination charge.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the 4WD system, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 20.6 cm ground clearance and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, was capable of light off-roading. However, the driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride on uneven pavement and a slow automatic stop/start system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration, and it featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology ensured a comfortable ride, even on imperfect pavement. The Navigator's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with a maximum cargo capacity of 1,693 litres when the rear seats were folded down. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard housed the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof added to the premium feel. However, the centre console storage remained limited, and the Compass's overall size placed it on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with a maximum volume of 2,925 litres, or 3,403 litres in the long-wheelbase Navigator L. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families with ample storage needs.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 10.1-inch option available on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity for two devices. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. While the voice recognition system was fast and accurate, it struggled with certain requests, such as finding the nearest hospital.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with the ability to save up to 80 individual vehicle settings to a user profile. The voice recognition system was improved but still had room for enhancement. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass saw improvements in safety features and driver assistance technologies, though key features required higher trim levels in Canada. Starting from the Trailhawk grade, the Compass included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist was expected to be added later in the model year in the U.S., but its availability in Canada was uncertain. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, but the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. As of the review, crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, enabled hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive. These advancements represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, but the technology still required human oversight.