2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. Its elegant and understated styling was impressive for a vehicle of its size, featuring simple rectilinear shapes and tasteful chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator offered a modern and muted interior with seven colour palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test model. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided exceptional comfort with 30 different adjustments.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX maintained a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. The RX's aggressive exterior styling, characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, set it apart from competitors in the midsize luxury crossover segment. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sporty accents. Inside, the RX offered a luxurious cabin with a sporty vibe in the F Sport trims, featuring model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable than expected, lacking adequate lumbar support and adjustability.

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 four-wheel drive in Canada, delivered impressive performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, and its fuel efficiency was in line with expectations for a large SUV, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. While the suspension and steering were not as refined as some competitors, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, offering a plush and quiet cabin.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty character and unimpressive acceleration. The adaptive variable suspension and drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, did not significantly enhance the driving experience. However, the RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a serene ride. Fuel efficiency was competitive, with the RX 350 averaging 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and the hybrid model offering even better figures.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered generous interior space, accommodating six adults comfortably with its tall boxy design. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, but the power-folding feature added convenience. Cargo space was ample, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although some competitors offered more advanced features. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustments and massage programs, while visibility was excellent thanks to large windows and a high driving position.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the standard two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space for passengers and cargo, with only 210 litres available behind the third row. The RX's cargo area was accessible through a power liftgate, but the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design. Interior features included a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a head-up display button. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to newer competitors. While the system offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition, but there were no onboard apps or wireless updates. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming, providing entertainment options for passengers.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for higher trims. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver, but the design created access issues due to a lip in front of the screen. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, allowing for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as 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.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.