2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 22-inch design in Canada. The front end was restyled, featuring a grille reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, which some felt reduced the Navigator's elegance. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the SUV's luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator impressed with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's modernity, ensuring it remained competitive in the luxury SUV market.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, offering a classy yet sporty appearance. Available in two body styles, the regular SUV and the sleeker Sportback, the Q5's design was well-executed, especially with the Sportback's spoiler-like element. Inside, the Q5 maintained a refined and simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The Q5's build quality was robust, providing a quiet and comfortable ride, though it faced stiff competition from other luxury brands.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride comfort, while the new electronic brake booster improved braking response. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test drive averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options: the base 40 TFSI quattro with 201 horsepower, the midrange 45 TFSI quattro with 261 horsepower, and the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid with 362 horsepower. All models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty and precise. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and available with a massaging function. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat was spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, with 972 litres behind the third row and up to 3,403 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional and well-organized. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy viewing, and physical controls were provided for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with only a slight reduction in headroom for the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. Cargo space was 730 litres behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 700 litres for the Sportback.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that was better than the previous model. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with Audi Connect Care service offering additional features. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel, known as the virtual cockpit.

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. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its limits, but complete trust in the technology was not yet possible.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning five stars overall and a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Technik trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated park assist system.