2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E 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 Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the SUV's elegance and presence. 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 Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing the SUV's competitive edge in display technology.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E embraced its electric crossover identity with Mustang styling cues, including galloping horse emblems and bold rear fender haunches. The Mach-E's design was a smart move, contributing to its popularity. The GT trim added distinctive features like revised bumpers and unique 20-inch wheels, giving it an aggressive look. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance. The cabin's design blended past, present, and future elements, creating an appealing vehicle that stood out in its price class.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its 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 robust performance. It boasted a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking response. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, averaging 12.6 L/100 km in fuel consumption during testing.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrains, with the GT Performance Edition featuring an extended-range battery and all-wheel drive. It produced 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. The driving range was estimated at 418 kilometres. The Mach-E GT included Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. The EV's performance was impressive, though the steering lacked engagement. The brakes provided consistent performance, and the ride quality was firm but controlled. The Mach-E GT achieved an energy efficiency of 22.9 kWh/100 km during testing, better than expected.

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, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator excelled in storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E combined function and form with its crossover SUV design, seating up to five people and offering 965 litres of cargo space, including a front trunk. The GT Performance Edition featured performance seats with unique upholstery and a tiered centre console for storage. The rear seat accommodated passengers comfortably, with a panoramic glass roof adding to the airy feel. The Mach-E provided 841 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,691 litres with seats folded. The frunk added 133 litres of additional storage, designed for easy cleaning.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user experience. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition capabilities. 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 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen with Sync 4A, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions. The Bang & Olufsen sound system offered excellent audio quality, and the Mach-E included a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display. Phone As A Key technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access and operation.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. ActiveGlide allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was required. The system performed well within its limits, but trust in its capabilities was limited.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came standard with Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. BlueCruise 1.2, a hands-free highway driving system, added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist. The system performed well but required driver oversight. The Mach-E received top safety ratings from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022 and 2023.