2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of elegance. However, the new Audi-esque grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was less elegant than intended. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, keeping the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a refined design ethos, moving away from ruggedness. It featured new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and North models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with prices ranging from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000. The Limited trim, with extras like the Elite Group and Sun and Sound Group, brought the MSRP to $54,775. The Compass Limited resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee, with a two-tone black and gray cabin featuring caramel accents. However, the as-tested price seemed steep for a small SUV.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It offered a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while the electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, thanks to its 24.5 cm ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, the Compass offered three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk trim featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km, with an observed average of 9.9 L/100 km. While the new engine improved performance, the Compass still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable front seats with heating, ventilation, and optional massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat remained spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided adequate space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the back seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for volume and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system supported over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and Alexa Built-in technology, which performed well. The Compass also offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera for added convenience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. While it performed well, drivers needed to remain attentive. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but required human oversight.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The lane-keeping system was sometimes intrusive, and adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. Crash-test ratings were incomplete, but the previous model had earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.