2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV, boasting a design that was neither awkward nor plain. Lincoln added enough detailing to ensure the Nautilus had plenty of character, making it stand out without being overly flashy. Upon approaching the SUV after dark, a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted drivers, adding a touch of elegance. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options available, such as sandstone, dark brown, and black. Despite its overall decadent feel, the centre console design and some chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, although not significantly updated since its last redesign in 2018, remained a commanding presence in Lincoln's lineup. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. While the Infinite Black exterior was challenging to keep clean, the Navigator's interior was all black, save for real wood trim panels and chrome accents. At night, ambient lighting from the 201A package added contrast and character. The Navigator Reserve's cabin looked upscale, using quality materials, though some chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. For an additional $4,000, a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine was available, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The twin-turbo V6 had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum range of 730 kilometres on the highway. Over 1,400 kilometres, it averaged 9.4 L/100 km.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, providing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It had a fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, prepared the suspension for changes in pavement surface. However, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive due to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered multiple massage programs and adjustable features, providing exceptional comfort. Rear seating was heated, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing a cargo area of 1,055 litres behind the rear seat and 1,948 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third-row seat, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with various trays and covered compartments. The Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third-row seat and 3,403 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. It offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphones to unlock and start the Nautilus.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator included a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 system offered Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound. The Navigator also featured Phone As A Key technology and Lincoln Play touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though they were underutilized by teenagers.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured the Co-Pilot360 suite, with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise struggled with curves and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.