2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and LT trims featured unique grille patterns, while the RST trim boasted a sporty, blacked-out look with 22-inch wheels. The Z71 trim was designed for off-roading, with a modified front end, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, and the High Country trim featured a luxurious chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and standard LED headlights, with a more expressive rear end compared to its predecessor. Despite its slab-sided appearance, larger wheels enhanced its overall look. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the base LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages.

Inside, the Tahoe's interior was centred around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The cabin featured a mix of exposed stitching, soft-touch surfaces, and hard plastics. Leather seating was standard from the LT trim upwards, with various options for perforated and textured leather in higher trims. The Tahoe's interior was spacious, with a maximum seating capacity of eight, though the front bench seat was no longer available. The Z71 trim met quality expectations, offering a comfortable and well-appointed cabin.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt lacked the elegance of previous models. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, now featuring Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering ample display space and improved functionality.

The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim being the sole option in Canada. Prices started at $107,500, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The test vehicle, a U.S.-spec Navigator Black Label, featured a unique Central Park theme with a green interior and second-row captain's chairs. The Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a roomy third-row seat. Cargo space was generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more capacity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with a standard 5.3-litre V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-litre V8 exclusive to the High Country trim delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine was also available, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, except for the Z71 trim due to its unique front end. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with four-wheel drive optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle an 831-kilogram payload.

The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality, handling, and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its adaptive damping and air suspension, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The 5.3-litre V8 and 10-speed transmission delivered refined performance, with Dynamic Fuel Management technology improving fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's handling was commendable, with suspension upgrades controlling body roll and motion. The Z71's all-terrain tires limited cornering performance on pavement, but the overall driving experience was satisfying.

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. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, with Trailer Reverse Guidance technology enhancing towing ease. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension featured Road Preview, identifying and preparing for road imperfections. The SUV handled well on smooth roads, with the 22-inch wheels providing grip and the adaptive suspension controlling ride motions.

The Navigator's new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The SUV performed well in snow and mud, with its four-wheel drive, ground clearance, and traction settings ensuring stability. Fuel consumption was estimated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km. The Navigator's performance was robust, with the twin-turbo V6 delivering ample power and a pleasing note under acceleration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was a recommended feature, offering a large storage tray and locking drawer. The second row offered a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter option providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat was spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 722 litres behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort, with the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system providing entertainment options. The third-row seat was roomy and supportive, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension. Storage and cargo space were ample, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more capacity. The Navigator carried 546 litres of cargo behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 2,925 litres.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new digital platform offering enhanced computing power, over-the-air updates, and cybersecurity protection. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with impressive voice recognition. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility but limited testing time. The Tahoe also offered an available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with user profiles for personalized settings. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, with no false alerts during testing. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the SUV in tight spaces. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.

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. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe conditions, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking maneuvers. ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well within its limits but required driver attention. The Navigator's safety features represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving.