2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Toyota Venza was a stylish SUV that many critics noted bore a resemblance to a Lexus, particularly in its elongated profile and grille design. This resemblance was more pronounced in person, where the Venza's design echoed the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels, with the base LE model boasting a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The XLE and Limited trims added further luxury touches, such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. While the new grille design drew mixed reviews, the rest of the updates were well-received. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The SUV was equipped with a new Sync 4 infotainment system and a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing its technological appeal. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim being the sole option in Canada. The U.S.-spec Navigator Black Label, tested in a unique Central Park theme, showcased the model's luxurious interior and advanced features.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. The SUV's handling was confident, and its all-wheel-drive system ensured stability. Toyota backed the Venza's hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the Navigator offered impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect roads. The Navigator's fuel consumption was estimated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km. The SUV's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, and its performance in snow and mud was commendable.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a practical and comfortable interior, with premium appointments in the centre stack and a unique cabin design. The SUV's deep centre console housed various controls and features, including a wireless charging pad and heated seat buttons. The Venza's seating was accommodating, with ample space for both front and rear passengers. While the Venza had less cargo space than the RAV4, its 816 litres of cargo capacity was sufficient for daily use. The SUV's elegant appointments and refined styling set it apart from the more rugged RAV4.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and available massaging, heated, and ventilated rear captain's chairs. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more capacity. The SUV's cargo volume ranged from 546 litres behind the third row to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed, making it ideal for families with large hauling needs.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited trims boasted a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune infotainment system, though not the best in the industry, supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Venza XLE and Limited included a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system, and Toyota connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect were standard. Dynamic navigation was available on models with the larger screen, providing cloud-based route guidance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition capabilities. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included features like a pre-collision warning system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety technologies available in higher trims. The SUV received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The SUV also featured a surround-view camera system and semi-autonomous driving technology. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its operational limits, but the need for constant monitoring could increase stress.