2023 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 featured a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals, creating a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar that gave the Tucson a floating roof appearance. At the rear, the Tucson boasted LED-illuminated toothy taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 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 available from the Preferred Trend trim upwards. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, maintained its imposing presence as a full-size luxury SUV. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current fourth-generation Navigator continued to impress with its size and luxury. The Navigator Reserve model, available in Canada, featured a triple-black exterior with the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, complemented by ambient lighting from the 201A package. However, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, with Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample room, while the third-row seat accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, and the Navigator L model offered even more cargo space for those needing to carry both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: 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 produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, it was efficient, with a targeted fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100 km combined for FWD models. The hybrid powertrain, however, was the standout, delivering 226 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, and an all-electric range of around 40 kilometres.

In contrast, the 2023 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 4WD. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km combined, but during testing, it averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was often harsh over smaller bumps and floated over larger ones. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and manoeuvring difficult.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a surprisingly upscale interior. It featured 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 for the driver's seat available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the Toyota RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 1,095-litre cargo space comparable to competitors like the Subaru Forester, RAV4, and Honda CR-V. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for even more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third-row seat, which offered ample headroom and legroom for taller adults. Storage space was abundant, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third-row seat, 2,075 litres behind the second row, and 3,403 litres behind the front seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust set of standard tech features, including 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 interface, while responsive, required drivers to rely on steering wheel controls and voice commands due to the lack of physical buttons.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, accurately responding to commands. The Navigator also boasted a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, delivering impressive sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, offering a comprehensive list of standard and available driver-assist and safety technologies. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and rear occupant alert. Additional options included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai backed the Tucson with a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty. However, the Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated Hands-Free Blue Zones. BlueCruise, while innovative, struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring drivers to take control frequently. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.