2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled upscale Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique features, including a distinct turn signal stalk. Its elegance and understated styling were impressive, especially for a vehicle of its size, riding on 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with seven colour palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test model, and a modern, muted design featuring layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco embraced a retro aesthetic with a go-anywhere attitude, making it a highly sought-after vehicle. The Bronco lineup expanded with the introduction of the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models, designed for extreme off-road conditions. The Everglades, equipped with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, was built for swamp trekking and deep water adventures. The Bronco's design prioritized off-road capabilities, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height. Its utilitarian appearance was complemented by features like removable fender flares and a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery, sealed switches, and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road escapades.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, delivered impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds). However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 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 precision and control found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with even the base model capable of conquering challenging terrain. The Everglades model excelled in difficult conditions, fording water up to 92.5 centimetres deep. On-road, the Bronco impressed with its smooth ride and precise steering, outperforming its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. While wind noise was a minor issue, the Bronco's overall performance made it a versatile and capable vehicle.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. Its boxy shape contributed to generous 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 rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering a wide range of adjustments and massage programs. However, parking the Navigator was challenging due to its size, despite the assistance of 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design also translated to ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door hard-top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including accessory rails and stowable doors. Its utility was further enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology offerings included a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to competitors. While it featured Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator's software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided off-road confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups. The forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist feature were valuable additions for navigating challenging terrain. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses, sharp graphics, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it a well-rounded technological package.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts for the second row and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came equipped with standard safety features such as hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Additional safety features were available through optional packages, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received favourable crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with "Good" scores in frontal, side, and roof strength tests.