2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's design included tall fender wells and a tucked-in body, minimizing unnecessary adornments that could catch on obstacles. The Bronco Sport's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with a modest Ford badge, tied it to its larger counterpart. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior boasted a rugged yet tasteful design with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyled grille, which some found less elegant than before. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen offered improved functionality, while the Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension and electronic brake booster enhanced ride comfort and braking response. The Navigator's luxurious interior and advanced technology made it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance, while also providing a comfortable on-road experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet 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, depending on configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking performance. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the vehicle's towing capacity varied between 907 and 997 kilograms, depending on the engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though some drivers found visibility issues due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and available massaging, heated, and ventilated rear captain's chairs. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase version offering even more capacity. Cargo volume ranged from 546 litres behind the third row to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded, making it ideal for families and large loads.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology provided off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start and a digital instrument panel were available on select trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user-friendly controls. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air update capabilities. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and road-sign recognition. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, and ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While the technology performed well, drivers were advised to remain attentive.