2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in its class, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and luxurious interior set it apart. The Navigator's elegance was evident in its simple yet sophisticated styling, featuring rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, made a striking impression during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator offered a modern and muted aesthetic with seven colour palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test model. The interior boasted high-quality materials, tight panel gaps, and the Perfect Position seats, which adjusted in 30 different ways, providing unparalleled comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, which proved challenging to keep clean. The Terrain AT4 came equipped with various packages, including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II, raising its MSRP to $44,757 in Canada. While the Terrain offered a more affordable entry-level option, the quality of materials and execution reflected its position in GMC's lineup. The head-up display and pushbutton transmission controls were less intuitive, and the storage solutions were not as practical as expected.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, delivered impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. Despite its size, the Navigator felt agile, with a plush cabin that excelled on highways. However, its fuel efficiency was poor, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The suspension, while equipped with adaptive dampers, lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's steering and brakes were less precise, but its overall power and refinement made it a compelling choice for long journeys.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked the acceleration of the discontinued 2.0-litre engine, the 1.5-litre offered decent performance with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain's AWD system provided versatility, but torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The AT4 model's suspension delivered a smooth ride on highways, though it struggled off-road. The Terrain's fuel economy was commendable, matching the Natural Resources Canada rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined. However, its overall performance was less thrilling, with dull steering and limited power.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with optional seating configurations. Its boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim included leather upholstery with contrast stitching, offering an upscale feel. The back seat was spacious, with ample legroom and a rear USB charging port. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. The Terrain's storage solutions were practical, though some areas were less accommodating.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition, but it required an external Wi-Fi network for updates. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the AT4 trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain's head-up display and safety features were part of the Tech Package, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with optional inflatable rear seat belts. However, it lacked advanced lane-tracking capabilities.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Terrain received mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 model.