2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize crossover, boasting a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model enhanced this with a hybrid system, adding a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Aviator's wheel design was criticized for being too plain, detracting from its overall aesthetic. The interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials and a panoramic glass sunroof, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's electronic door latches were innovative but required careful handling to avoid pinching fingers.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged Jeep ethos. It featured new wheel designs for the Sport, North, and Trailhawk models, with the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. 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 its Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded sophistication, though the price was considered steep for a small SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite its added weight, the Aviator offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. Various driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery. During testing, the Aviator achieved 35.8 kilometres on electricity alone, with a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension and Pirelli tires ensuring a smooth ride, though it lacked the fun factor of a sportier SUV.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, equipped with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 rpm to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD, the Compass offered three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk version featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. During testing, the Compass averaged 9.9 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating of 8.8 L/100 km. The turbocharged engine improved the driving experience, though the Compass remained tall and narrow, affecting its handling on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, but the third row was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,183 litres with the seats folded flat, and a maximum of 2,200 litres.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Higher trims offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The rear seat provided adequate space, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,693 litres with the rear seats folded, and some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Sync 3 software, which included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, the voice recognition system was outdated and struggled with complex requests. The Aviator also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the vehicle included parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system offered 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 digital assistant. The Compass also had a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, though the vehicle's size made the former less necessary.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a pedestrian detection system. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS had not completed testing for the 2023 model. The previous year's model received a Top Safety Pick rating, but the new requirements made the 2023 Compass ineligible until further testing.