2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, which replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's flagship SUV, showcased a sophisticated and striking exterior design. It featured distinctive lines and shapes, from its prominent grille to its crisp shoulder lines and tasteful tailgate. The SUV's profile was enhanced by a mix of planes and curves, highlighted by sculpted wheel arches. A continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof. Inside, the Palisade offered an elegant and polished interior with a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials. The second row provided options for a roomy bench or captain's chairs, while the third row was spacious enough for short rides for adults or children.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. However, the restyled front end, with its Audi-esque grille, was less elegant than before. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering ample display acreage. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level sold in Canada. The test vehicle, a U.S.-spec Navigator Black Label, featured a new Central Park theme with a unique green interior.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, equipped with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a balance of power and efficiency. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. The SUV handled well, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, provided robust performance. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, with Road Preview technology, improved ride quality. The Navigator's fuel consumption was estimated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and versatile interior, with comfortable seating in all three rows. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and spacious. The front row featured ample storage, including two compartments in the centre console. Luggage space behind the third row measured 509 litres, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade's gear selector used a compact shift-by-wire setup, and the Ultimate Calligraphy trim included luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustments and memory functions. The second-row captain's chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, and the third row provided roomy accommodations. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and 2,925 litres with the second row down. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space. The Navigator's interior featured a mix of chrome detailing and gloss-black trim, with matte-finish buttons for easy use.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a standard display audio system and a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen. Most trims featured a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade also offered a Qi wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a head-up display and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system, with remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a significant technology upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface. The Navigator's voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle featured an optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of safety features, including seven airbags, three-point seat belts, and LATCH anchors. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star 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 surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well within its limits, though drivers needed to remain attentive. These features represented steps toward fully autonomous driving.