2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The illuminated lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. The rear boasted LED-illuminated toothy taillights, adding a unique flair to the compact SUV. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats in higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyled grille reminiscent of an Audi, which some felt diminished its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful. Inside, it 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 boasted a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing the Navigator's tech appeal. The SUV continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level available in Canada. The Navigator's interior was luxurious, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a spacious third row. The rear captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable ride. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with the long-wheelbase version offering even more room for passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain variants: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain, with a total system output of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid was more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson offered all-wheel drive as an option for ICE models and standard for the hybrid. The hybrid was notably more fuel-efficient, with a combined consumption of 6.4 L/100 km. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.

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. In Canada, it came standard with four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The SUV featured an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, which prepared the suspension for road imperfections. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its 4WD system and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. The Navigator's fuel consumption was estimated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings available. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 1,095-litre cargo space comparable to competitors. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior was exceptionally comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats that were 30-way power-adjustable. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third row offered roomy accommodations, with the Navigator's independent rear suspension design contributing to comfort. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with the long-wheelbase version offering even more room. The standard model provided 546 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,925 litres with the second row folded. The long-wheelbase version offered even more space, with 972 litres behind the third row and 3,403 litres with the second row folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The Preferred trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen was embedded within a larger head unit, with touchpoints for climate and media controls. While responsive, the touchpoints required drivers to rely on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface similar to a smartphone. 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 like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty for the Tucson.

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 also standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, while ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The system required drivers to remain attentive, as it may not identify all threats. ActiveGlide represented a step towards fully autonomous driving, though drivers still needed to monitor the road.