2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Perfect Position seats were a highlight, offering 30 different adjustments for ultimate comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, re-emerged with a modern design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior featured excellent proportions, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant layout with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for three adults in the rear. The Venza's interior was designed to be a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

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, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Despite its size, the Navigator felt sprightly, with a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging in the double digits, aligning with its Natural Resources Canada-estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with the electric motors providing all-wheel drive capability. Drivers could choose from various drive modes, including electric-only operation for short distances. The Venza's regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to its impressive fuel efficiency. While not designed for aggressive driving, the Venza offered a comfortable and agile ride, making it an ideal midsize family vehicle.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. It featured a power-folding third row and optional second-row captain's chairs, providing flexibility for up to eight passengers. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience for loading and unloading. The front seats were highly adjustable and luxurious, offering a range of features for maximum comfort. However, parking the Navigator could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five passengers in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. The second row featured a 60/40-split folding bench seat, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Venza's interior was equipped with numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a spacious glove compartment. The cabin also offered plenty of storage options, with cupholders and bottle holders throughout. Despite its hybrid battery placement, the Venza maintained a generous cargo capacity of up to 1,560 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology offerings included a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to newer competitors. While it featured Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio, it 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 intuitive, with a unique Lincoln interface, but it lacked advanced features like wireless software updates. However, it did offer wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain was complemented by a range of technology features. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a head-up display. The Venza also featured Toyota's Predicted Efficient Drive program, which optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza's technology package included Toyota Connected Services, providing various safety and convenience features.

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 like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, a rare safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.