2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

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 side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. Its elegance and understated styling were impressive, especially for a vehicle of its size, featuring simple rectilinear shapes and a few chrome accents. The interior was equally impressive, with seven colour palettes and a focus on finer details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and unique window design gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and unique exterior styling. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each with its own set of features, from the base LE with standard AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to the luxurious Platinum trim with premium amenities. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering clever storage solutions and ample space for passengers, although the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable 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 the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. Despite its size, the Navigator felt responsive and agile, although its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The suspension, while equipped with adaptive dampers, lacked the refinement of some competitors, and the steering and brakes were not as precise as those found in the Cadillac Escalade.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, offered a smooth and composed driving experience. The Highlander's handling was commendable, especially with the sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim, which reduced body roll while maintaining comfort over bumps. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families. Its fuel efficiency was competitive, and the drive-mode options allowed for customization based on driving conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a cavernous interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. Its boxy shape contributed to its impressive cargo capacity, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve trim featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions, but parking the large vehicle could be challenging.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it offered 453 litres of cargo space. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders throughout. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing easy access to the third row. While the third row was less spacious, the second row offered ample room for adults, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology package included a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to newer models. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio, 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 a unique Lincoln interface, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator also featured wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with a straightforward layout and hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, along with an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system, offering a more immersive audio experience.

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 came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering a comprehensive range of driver-assistance features. Standard features included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. The Highlander also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Upper-level trims offered additional safety features, such as parking sensors and a surround-view parking monitor. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.