2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in its class, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition and establishing a unique identity. Its design was marked by elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, with a few chrome accents adding a touch of class. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided unparalleled comfort with their 30-way adjustability. Despite its size, the Navigator felt refined and luxurious, rivaling even more expensive competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, though it was met with mixed reviews due to its Audi-esque grille. However, the rest of the updates were well-received, enhancing the SUV's appeal. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, while the upgraded Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen improved functionality. The 2022 model maintained its luxurious feel, offering a comfortable and stylish ride.

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, provided a sprightly performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive at 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, with an average consumption of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, though not as refined as some competitors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Navigator's power and refinement on the highway were commendable.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained the same twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The towing capacity remained competitive, ranging between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved the ride quality, identifying and preparing for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster enhanced the brake pedal feel and response, addressing previous concerns. The Navigator's performance in various conditions, including snow and mud, was impressive, thanks to its 4WD system and ground clearance. Fuel consumption was slightly improved, averaging 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. The boxy design 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 long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments available. However, the second-row seats lacked some features found in competitors, such as electric reclining and massage functions. Visibility was excellent, though parking could be challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to provide exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row seats received upgrades, including massaging, heating, and ventilation functions. The third-row seats remained spacious and comfortable, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more capacity. The interior layout was practical, with thoughtful storage solutions and easy access to controls.

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 connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, though slightly slow in response. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

In 2022, the Navigator received a significant technology upgrade with the introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system and a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen. The new system was intuitive and easy to use, supporting Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience. Overall, the 2022 Navigator's technology enhancements brought it in line with competitors.

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 such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors. Inflatable rear seat belts were available for the second row, providing additional safety for passengers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing visibility and safety. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive. These advancements represented a step towards fully autonomous driving, though the technology still required human oversight.