2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that set it apart from its predecessors and other compact crossovers. With its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, the RAV4 exuded an aggressive look that appealed to those seeking more than just an ordinary family vehicle. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which it shared with other Toyota models, indicating that its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package, which added features like matte black alloy wheels and a TRD front skid plate, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, distinguishing it from other Toyota models. While the material quality was decent on lower trims, it did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable, fitting the outdoorsy theme. However, real leather was not an option, even on the top-tier Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior was functional and comfortable, though it lacked the premium feel of some competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt diminished its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new grille being a minor footnote.

Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design, now enhanced by Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering ample display space for navigation and music details. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride, while the new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a roomy third-row seat, making it a luxurious choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and revved like a racing engine, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport driving mode only added weight to the steering. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and refinement, making them attractive alternatives.

On the highway, the RAV4 excelled with low cabin noise levels and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road capability was a focus, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models featuring torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, the RAV4's limited suspension articulation and shallow approach angles were drawbacks for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and it featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement, while the new electronic brake booster improved brake feel.

The Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km. Overall, the Navigator offered a powerful and refined driving experience, with impressive towing capabilities and advanced suspension technology.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with 30-way power adjustments and memory functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, with the Navigator's independent rear suspension design contributing to its comfort. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more capacity. The Navigator carried 546 litres of cargo behind the third-row seat, expanding to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, along with a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked flashiness, and the gasoline RAV4 did not offer a head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering two data panels for navigation and music. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition that was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered sensational sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. A 360-degree camera system was available in certain packages.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe situations, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its limits but required vigilance for unexpected situations.