2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of elegance. However, the new Audi-esque grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was less elegant than intended. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, enhancing the SUV's technological appeal.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a conservative exterior styling, with a wide upper and lower grille and thin LED headlights as its distinctive elements. The five-passenger SUV offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a black interior with Nappa leather seats, providing comfort and a high-quality feel. The cabin's dark and monotone appearance could be brightened with a beige or grey interior option. The Santa Fe's interior boasted heated and cooled front seats, with the second row also featuring seat heaters, making it a comfortable choice for varying weather conditions.

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, the Navigator offered a robust performance. Its towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride comfort, while the new electronic brake booster improved brake response. The Navigator's 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 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost with its 311 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission contributed to the Santa Fe's smooth handling and brisk acceleration. The turbocharged Santa Fe could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, while the non-turbo version had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The drive-mode selector offered four customizable modes, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior was designed for comfort, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats that were 30-way power-adjustable. The second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort features, while the third-row seat provided ample space and support. The Navigator's cargo capacity was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L variant offered even more space, with 972 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 3,403 litres.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided ample rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded the cargo capacity to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's interior featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included additional features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting added to the cabin's appeal, though the wide centre console slightly reduced driver leg space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's technology was significantly enhanced with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface and voice recognition. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, equipped with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The infotainment system offered extensive customization options, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's advanced driver assistance systems included features like forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

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, providing additional safety. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety-related ADAS, such as forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.