2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of elegance. However, the new Audi-esque grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was less elegant than intended. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, keeping the Navigator competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level in Canada starting at $107,500, excluding destination charges.

The 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding oversized grilles and opting for clean, car-like styling. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, including a Viper-like hood and distinctive wheels. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options. The Durango's interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to each trim level. The Citadel model added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango's colour palette expanded for 2023, offering more choices for personalization.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the Navigator offered a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride comfort, while the new electronic brake booster improved brake response. The Navigator's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT Hellcat boasted a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat's performance was exhilarating, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds. The Durango's adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensured power was manageable.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, adjustable in 30 ways. 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. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs standard on higher trims. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though the Durango offered less cargo space than some rivals, with 487 litres behind the third row and 2,409 litres with the second row folded. Small-item storage was ample, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The system supported voice recognition and over-the-air updates. 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 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect 5 system was responsive and easy to use, with unique features for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance data, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. A surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" marks in some IIHS tests and a four-star overall NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while other driver-assist technologies were available on higher trims.