2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Honda Pilot

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 "single-frame" 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 vehicle's competitive edge in display technology.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was fully redesigned, boasting a more rugged and substantial appearance. It was larger than its predecessor, with an 8.6 cm increase in length, up to 3.8 cm in width, and 2 cm in height. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which included a taller ride height, unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional. The Pilot emphasized function over form, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Overall, the new Pilot offered a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic, prioritizing practicality without sacrificing appeal.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft 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 kg, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while a new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel. The Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, thanks to its 24.5 cm ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured an all-new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Pilot's acceleration was quick, with a pleasant engine note under throttle. The brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, and easy to modulate. The Pilot cornered confidently, with noticeable body roll but no alarming rebound. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing off-road capability. Towing capacity was up to 2,268 kg. The Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a versatile family SUV.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and available massaging front seats with 30-way power adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat was spacious and supportive, benefiting from 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, with up to 3,403 litres available.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot offered clever storage solutions, including a large rubberized shelf, cupholders, and a wide centre console bin. The stowable second-row centre seat provided a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row was spacious for adults, while the third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 3,219 litres available behind the front seats.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering easy access to navigation and music details. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was responsive, with a logical layout and large buttons. Honda's CabinTalk feature allowed communication with rear-seat passengers, while the Touring trim included a navigation system and Bose premium audio.

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 hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, drivers needed to remain attentive.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The EX-L trim and above added parking sensors, while the Touring trim included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The safety features functioned as expected, with no false alarms during testing.