2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While semi-aniline leather was standard, the overall interior feel was somewhat outdated.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The grille, reminiscent of an Audi, was a rare misstep in an otherwise successful update. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system added to the luxurious feel, making the Navigator's interior a standout.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, but the GX excelled in off-road capability with features like a Torsen centre differential and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The Navigator's 4WD system and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance ensured confident handling in various conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, and the third row was best suited for children. The GX provided 1,833 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, but the third row significantly reduced available cargo space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustments and memory functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the third row provided ample space. The Navigator excelled in cargo capacity, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second row folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, making it ideal for larger families and cargo needs.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, analog controls for various functions provided a straightforward interface, appealing to those who preferred traditional controls over touchscreen-centric systems.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition 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 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety and convenience. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, although driver attention remained necessary.