2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Ford Escape

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 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 Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level available in Canada, starting at an MSRP of $107,500.

The 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the blocky exterior of its predecessors. The refresh included a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite being tested. The Escape's design was sleek, with 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the ST-Line Elite featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, with a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. Despite some plastic materials, the Escape's interior was functional and durable.

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 wheelbase and drivetrain selections. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, and the new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel. The Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. 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 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive. The Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, providing a comfortable ride on rough roads. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness common in some competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 30-way power adjustment, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and available with a massaging function. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, 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 cargo space.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured soft and supportive seats with excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space was competitive, with up to 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the second row folded. However, it fell short of segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Passenger space was adequate, with good headroom and scalloped front-seat backs to maximize rear-seat legroom.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system was user-friendly, with support for Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Ford Escape was equipped with Sync 4, featuring an 8-inch or optional 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. A wi-fi hotspot was available with a subscription. The audio system included a standard six-speaker setup, with a Bang & Olufsen system optional on higher trims. Sync 4 was intuitive, though slightly slow to respond to inputs.

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 standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well within its limits but required driver attention.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests but "Marginal" in the updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assist features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology.