2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

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 its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch, while the upgraded Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a similar appearance to its non-hybrid counterpart, with the RX 350h Luxury model lacking any hybrid-specific badges. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-tuned design, featuring a blacked-out grille and aggressive styling. The RX's design was not considered stunning, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that visually shortened the rear. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted luxurious Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It offered a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview improved ride quality, and a new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid models: the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid powertrain, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, and was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance used a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, generating 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system provided a sporty driving experience, though fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, and the second-row captain's chairs provided a luxurious experience with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. 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 and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded, or 3,403 litres in the long-wheelbase Navigator L.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort with ten-way power-adjustable front seats in the RX 350h Luxury model, featuring premium leather and effective climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced headroom. Cargo space was increased to 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with seats folded, matching the standard RX 350 and significantly improving over the previous RX 450h.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user-friendly controls. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition that was better than the previous model. 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 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations. The system's single-screen menu and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the head-up display's touch-sensing control pads were problematic with polarized sunglasses. Despite these issues, the system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the available head-up display added 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. ActiveGlide allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though it required driver attention. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist helped maintain safe distances and speeds, while Traffic Jam Assist offered low-speed hands-free driving. Some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructive.