2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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 an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing the Navigator's competitive edge in display technology.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer adopted styling cues more akin to road cars, with a sleek profile and a big grille framed by stacked headlights. The Blazer RS test vehicle featured blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, creating a striking appearance. For 2023, the Blazer received minor styling updates, including new taillights, grille, and LED headlights. The interior boasted a sportier aesthetic, with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. Cloth seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. The Blazer RS featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a two-tone upholstery scheme, impressing with its material quality.

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 and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while a new electronic brake booster enhanced brake response. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive standard in Canada. The Blazer RS test vehicle, equipped with the V6 engine, delivered impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. However, the Blazer's handling was affected by its weight and top-heavy design. The Blazer's 2,041-kilogram towing capacity was competitive for its class, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its car-based design and low-hanging front bumper.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its heated, ventilated, and available massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable ride. The third-row seat was spacious and supportive, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,925 litres with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space, with 972 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 3,403 litres.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals like the Ford Edge and Honda Passport. Rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, but better than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Blazer provided 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, trailing behind competitors like the Honda Passport and Nissan Murano. Despite this, the Blazer felt spacious from behind the wheel, with short overhangs aiding maneuverability. Functional interior details included USB ports and a unique temperature control system integrated into the air vents.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering an improved user experience. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well, though not perfectly. 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 an optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. RS and Premier trims included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The Blazer's tech presentation was modern, with an intuitive menu layout and a large touchscreen. The optional 8-inch instrument cluster display complemented the analog gauges, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Intersection Assist automatically braked for unsafe movements, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking maneuvers. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well within its limits, but required driver attention for unexpected situations.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer expanded its safety features, with the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control became available on all trims, with additional options like blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.