2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Ford Expedition

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, such as side glass and overall footprint, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features and a luxurious interior. Its elegant styling, characterized by simple rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, made it a head-turner. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to detail, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the opulent feel, making it a worthy competitor to more expensive luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, including exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The new grille, headlights, and bumper gave it a fresh look, while the redesigned wheels added to its appeal. The Expedition offered a range of trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a large touchscreen display and advanced connectivity options. The Limited Stealth Edition, with its leather seats and impressive tech, provided a comfortable and modern driving experience, despite some F-150-grade plastic trim.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Despite its size, the Navigator felt agile, with a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds). However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the overall power and refinement made it a compelling choice for highway driving.

The 2022 Ford Expedition also featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in the test vehicle. With the Stealth Edition Performance Package, it could reach 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition's powertrain, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kg (9,200 lb). Fuel economy ranged from 12.9 to 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with an observed 14.5 L/100 km during testing. The Expedition's sport-tuned suspension provided decent handling, but the ride quality was sometimes harsh due to the 22-inch wheels. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and advanced parking aids. On the highway, it excelled in comfort and ease of driving, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating up to eight passengers. The boxy design maximized cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator L variant provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second row offered optional features like heated seats and a console with climate controls. However, the lack of side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in passenger comfort, with easy access via electric running boards. The interior featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and climate controls, while the third row offered power recline and USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,961 litres with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity. Despite some tight toe room in the second row, the Expedition's interior was well-suited for family trips and long journeys.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology, while intuitive, felt dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacked features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator offered wireless device charging, smartphone ignition key functionality, and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. The software was user-friendly, with fast voice recognition, but lacked onboard apps and wireless updates.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch display. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and FordPass Connect. Higher trims added features like wireless charging and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Sync 4A's adaptive dashcard interface and personal profiles enhanced user experience, though some quirks were noted. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier towing.

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 lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but less advanced than competitors.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. The Platinum trim offered a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was available, providing semi-autonomous driving on approved highways. However, some issues with lane-centring assist were noted during testing.