2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV market, shedding its past image as a dressed-up Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a sophisticated grille and elegant body lines. Its imposing presence was accentuated by 22-inch wheels and a Monochromatic Package that added a touch of class with body-colour elements and chrome accents. The interior was equally impressive, offering a range of seven colour palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased Lincoln's attention to detail, with layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided unparalleled comfort, making the Navigator a luxurious choice for those seeking refinement and elegance.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced a bold and rugged design, reflecting Chevrolet's full-size truck design language. The Suburban's exterior was characterized by a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of customization options, with the RST trim featuring a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and sporty black-painted wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with seating for up to nine passengers, depending on the configuration. The RST model boasted Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, adding a touch of sportiness to the interior. While the cabin was well-appointed, the predominantly black interior made it feel a bit dark, despite the presence of chrome accents and red stitching.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, provided the Navigator with a surprisingly agile performance for its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds), making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, with an average consumption in the double digits, aligning with the estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. While the Navigator offered a smooth highway ride, its suspension and steering fell short of the superior control offered by competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, produced 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the Suburban's nearly three-ton frame. The Suburban's towing capacity matched the Navigator's at 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds) with the Max Trailering Package. The introduction of an independent rear suspension improved the Suburban's ride and handling, while also increasing interior space. The RST model, equipped with Magnetic Ride Control, offered a smooth and controlled ride, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys. The Suburban's fuel efficiency was enhanced by the availability of the turbodiesel engine, which delivered excellent torque and economy.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench. The boxy design provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate control system, although it lacked some of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were a highlight, offering extensive adjustments and massage functions, providing a luxurious experience for the driver and front passenger. However, the Navigator's large size made parking a challenge, despite the presence of 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering seating for up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was notably spacious, providing adequate headroom and legroom for adults. The Suburban's cargo capacity was impressive, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The power-sliding centre console added convenience, while the numerous storage compartments provided ample space for personal items. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be an issue for some garages. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change, requiring some adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to competitors. The system offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio but lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided good sound quality, but it was not exceptional. The Navigator's technology suite included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. However, the lack of onboard apps and wireless software updates was a drawback, and the cameras were low-resolution compared to newer models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a comprehensive suite of technology features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch system on higher trims, provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Suburban also featured Google built-in, offering access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and third-party apps. The availability of 13 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhanced the Suburban's practicality. The audio system options ranged from a basic six-speaker system to a premium Bose 10-speaker Surround with CenterPoint audio system, providing a range of sound quality options.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, a rare safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, additional standard features included front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance.