2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2023 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering across nine distinct trim levels. The blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The new Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged interior featured sealed switches, drain plugs, and marine-grade vinyl upholstery, emphasizing durability over luxury. The design allowed for easy cleaning and customization, making it ideal for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience. The Navigator handled various terrains effortlessly, including snow and mud, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The 4WD model achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor trim with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All engines came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with features like G.O.A.T. drive modes, numerous camera views, and Trail Turn Assist. The Raptor's engine provided excessive power, making it a thrilling choice for enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, making it more comfortable than the Cadillac Escalade's equivalent. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase Navigator L.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door model required some effort to access the rear seats, while the four-door allowed easy entry. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door model offered up to 52.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the four-door provided up to 77.6 cubic feet. The rear seats did not fold flat, but the roof's mounting points allowed for overlanding platforms and tents. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system included voice recognition and over-the-air updates. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, including G.O.A.T. drive modes, numerous camera views, and Trail Turn Assist. The infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch touchscreen for easier use. The Bronco also offered a wireless charging pad and accessory rails for action cameras and GPS trackers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways but required driver attention. The system performed well under specific conditions but required human intervention for unexpected situations.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors. The High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, while the Luxe package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.