2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a striking departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as the side glass and overall footprint, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design 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 eye-catching. Inside, the Navigator offered a modern and muted interior with seven colour palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test model. The wood trim, push-button gear selector, and floating centre console added to its refined appeal. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided exceptional comfort, rivaling even the more expensive Land Rover Range Rover.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its bold styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design was unique, with a distinct shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, showcased a sportier intent with dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior. Genesis offered a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for customization. The GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme, with genuine carbon fibre inserts in the Sport trims. While some plastic elements were present, the overall quality of materials was high, and the interior offered a unique and stylish experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the Navigator delivered a responsive driving experience. Its 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's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes lacked the precision and control found in the Escalade, but the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test model featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 as a strong contender against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures. The GV70 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing the rear axle for a dynamic driving experience. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing torque distribution. The GV70's drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, offered varying levels of performance, with Sport mode providing a balanced and responsive driving experience. The electronically controlled suspension system effectively balanced comfort and road feedback, making the GV70 a capable performer.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, with ample room for six adults. While it was technically a seven-passenger SUV, the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator Reserve featured heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. However, it lacked some features found in German competitors, such as five-zone climate control and heated third-row seats. 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 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console separating the front-row seats. The intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for ease of use. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space featured a large panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades. Cargo volume behind the second row was 819 litres, with a total of 1,610 litres available with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor. While the steering wheel's functions required some adjustment, the GV70's overall ergonomics and functionality were above average.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to newer offerings. While it lacked some advanced features like full-screen navigation maps and wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the software was intuitive and easy to use. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, but there were no onboard apps or wireless software updates. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel, and the simplicity of the system was appreciated compared to more complex setups.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 excelled in technology, with a standard 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen. The graphics were impressive, though the system's response time was slightly slower than average. The screen's wide layout allowed for split-screen functionality, accommodating in-car functions and smartphone integration. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience with its layered graphics. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless vehicle start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on higher trims. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator. While knee airbags were not offered, inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were optional. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than some competitors.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The GV70 introduced a rear occupant alert system using radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system, with lane centring and automatic lane changing, was also standard. While not hands-free, it provided enhanced blind spot warning capabilities. As of publication, safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were not available for the GV70.