2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its family resemblance to the Nissan Armada, presented a good-looking SUV that was neither too large nor too small. Its unique front-end styling, featuring a distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart from its sibling. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added to its upscale appearance, while the stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior. Inside, the QX80's cabin was furnished with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. However, despite its attractive and comfortable interior, the QX80's design was beginning to feel outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, though it 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 space. The Navigator continued to impress with its adaptive-damping suspension and new electronic brake booster, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The SUV's interior was spacious and luxurious, with comfortable seating and generous cargo space, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was one of the QX80's strengths, providing strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note. However, it was thirsty and required premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The QX80's off-road capability was notable, with standard four-wheel drive in Canada and a computer-controlled transfer case. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms, making it suitable for towing large trailers or boats. The Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering, though the nearly three-ton curb weight was a reminder of its size.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided robust performance and a pleasing note under acceleration. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and it featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview identified and prepared for road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. With standard four-wheel drive, 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes, the Navigator handled various road conditions with ease. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle for easier ingress. Inside, the cabin offered a spacious and airy feel, with good front-seat head- and legroom. Visibility was commendable, though the sideview mirrors were small. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller than panoramic designs, and the third-row seating was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting added a premium touch.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat was roomy and supportive, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and 2,925 litres with all seats down. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, with 972 litres behind the third row, 2,077 litres with the third row folded, and 3,403 litres with all seats down.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included navigation, voice recognition, and connected services. A Bose 17-speaker sound system was standard, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was included, though HDMI adapters were missing. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, limiting its advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern interface with two data panels. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were retained. Sync 4 supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row passengers. A smart rearview mirror and adaptive cruise control were available on the ProActive grade. The NHTSA rated the QX80 with three out of five stars for rollover resistance, while the 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection.

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 standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake for unsafe movements, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking tasks. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. It performed well within its limits, though driver attention was still required. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving.