2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a notable update to the Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination. The front end received a restyle, featuring a grille reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, which some felt detracted from the Navigator's elegance. Despite this, the interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The updated Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the vehicle's appeal, maintaining its competitive edge in the luxury SUV market.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, complemented by 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. The exterior's elegance was mirrored inside with quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin, horizontal air vents, accented by metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was part of a luxurious and spacious interior, making the GV80 a comfortable and stylish choice.

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. It boasted a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and featured an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, with the latter producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive as standard. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride, although the vehicle's handling was less precise compared to its German rivals.

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, providing a luxurious experience for passengers. The third-row seat was spacious and comfortable, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. 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 space, with up to 3,403 litres of cargo volume.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured heated and ventilated front and rear seats, with the Ergo driver’s seat offering fatigue-reducing adjustments. The interior was luxurious, with Nappa leather seats and a standard tri-zone climate control system. While a third row was available, it offered limited legroom, making it suitable for children. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was rated at 2,720 kilograms, provided the trailer had brakes.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that was better than its predecessor. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. The system included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, although the driver needed to remain attentive. The system performed well under optimal conditions but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, although it struggled in certain lighting conditions. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS.