2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

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, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. Its elegant and understated styling was a feat 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 impressive during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator boasted a modern and muted interior with seven colour palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test model. The layered wood trim, floating centre console, and minimalist digital instrument panel added to its sophisticated appeal. The Perfect Position seats, with their 30-way adjustability, provided unparalleled comfort, making the Navigator a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and refined design. The exterior featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof illusion, contributing to its sleek appearance. The Rogue's interior followed a layered dash design trend, offering a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was a highlight, with an electronic gear selector lever and ample storage space. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for optimal driver visibility, and the Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort. The Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, making it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, provided the Navigator with a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging in the double digits, aligning with the Natural Resources Canada-estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in handling, the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, received a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This marked an 11 percent increase in horsepower and a 24 percent increase in torque over the previous model. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with Natural Resources Canada estimating 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres city/6.5 highway/7.2 combined. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing the Rogue's responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and good steering feel. The 10.8-metre turning diameter added to its manoeuvrability, making it a practical choice for urban driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. While 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, the lack of side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats were noted as areas for improvement. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustability and massage programs, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in practicality, offering numerous storage options throughout the cabin. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies, while rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks. The Rogue's cargo area was impressive, with a capacity of up to 1,033 litres, expandable to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. The Rogue's interior was designed with convenience in mind, making it a versatile choice for families and commuters alike.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology offerings included a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to competitors. The system featured Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio but lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The Navigator's software was user-friendly, with fast and accurate voice recognition. However, it lacked onboard apps and wireless software updates. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was functional and easy to use.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a technology upgrade, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available, offering integration with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Rogue's Intelligent Key allowed for convenient keyless entry, enhancing its practicality for families. The Rogue's technology package was comprehensive, making it a strong contender in its segment.

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 in its current generation. The Navigator 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, a rare safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies across all trim levels. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also offered ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist, available on the Rogue, provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in various driving conditions. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.