2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

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, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique 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 striking during winter tests. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the luxurious feel, making the Navigator a formidable competitor in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid took styling cues from the Tacoma pickup truck, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that lent it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, creating a somewhat disjointed look compared to more cohesive designs in its class. The interior was unconventional but less jarring, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The Bronze Edition featured unique bronze alloy wheels and door sills, but the light grey fabric seat upholstery was prone to dirt and stains. While the Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing than alternatives, the Highlander Hybrid offered practicality with its spacious second-row seats and versatile cargo space, making it a suitable choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, 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 acceleration and a thrilling sound. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, but its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging in the double digits. While the adaptive dampers were standard, the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It employed a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid's acceleration was adequate, reaching 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. While the engine's hum was subtle under light acceleration, it became more pronounced when pushed. The braking system was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a comfortable ride, with a suspension that effectively smoothed over bumps. Its cabin remained quiet on the highway, making it a pleasant choice for family journeys.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, akin to a small bedroom, 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 Navigator Reserve featured heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs, providing excellent visibility from the high driving position.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned and adjustable, though the driver's door armrest was slightly out of reach. The interior offered ample storage options, including trays and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities, and a bench option increased passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

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 and high-resolution cameras, the software was intuitive and easy to use. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, and the vehicle offered wireless device charging and smartphone ignition key functionality. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options, while drive mode animations added a touch of elegance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a larger 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for convenience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Limited and Platinum trims also featured navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, enhancing the overall technology experience.

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 like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety, though adaptive cruise control was not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The top Platinum trim offered additional features like a surround view camera system and head-up display. While the safety systems generally performed well, some fine-tuning was needed for smoother operation.