2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim in the previous year, and for 2022, the Explorer ST-Line was introduced, adding a sporty flair to the popular XLT version. The U.S.-spec Explorer King Ranch, which was not available in Canada, served as the test vehicle, with the closest Canadian equivalent being the top-tier Ford Explorer Platinum. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars, except those behind the back doors, contributed to the "floating roof" visual effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers displayed a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally reminding occupants of the base trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 22-inch design in Canada. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the Navigator's elegance and presence. Despite this, the rest of the updates were successful, with the Navigator continuing to impress with quality materials and mid-century modern design. The interior featured Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, evoking a twilight sky. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering ample display space. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with Reserve as the sole trim level in Canada, starting at $107,500, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The U.S.-spec Navigator Black Label, tested in its new Central Park theme, showcased features not available in Canada, such as a Manhattan Green exterior and matching interior.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. This engine allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg and fuel consumption as low as 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the Explorer ST and Platinum, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience, especially with the sport-tuned Explorer ST.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its 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's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections, and featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, identified and prepared for road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, with 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.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. Fully equipped models featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch test vehicle featured a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 528 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expandable to 1,264 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and available massaging and 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs, newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, provided a comfortable experience, enhanced by the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, with a supportive design since 2005. Storage space was generous, with the Navigator L offering even more cargo space. The Navigator carried 546 litres of cargo behind its third-row seat, expandable to 1,627 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed. The Navigator L offered 972 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 2,077 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 3,403 litres with the second-row seats collapsed.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen display or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The test vehicle included Sync 3 technology, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher-trim Explorers offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less effective than the newer Sync 4, struggling with certain commands. Additional tech for the Platinum included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with user profiles to save settings. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect, with some challenges in finding specific locations and music genres. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The test vehicle featured an optional 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for all versions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year’s model received five-star ratings except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.

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 newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe conditions, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park autonomously. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well within its operational limits but required driver attention. ActiveGlide represented a step towards fully autonomous driving but highlighted the need for driver vigilance.