2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

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 that some felt diminished its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator maintained its luxurious interior, showcasing quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch, while the new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen kept it competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level in Canada starting at $107,500, excluding destination charges.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice between a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Grand Touring model combined the V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing standard AWD. Prices ranged from $73,400 to $85,400, with the Grand Touring model priced at $103,745 in Canada, including destination fees. The Aviator's design was praised for its modern Lincoln face and grille, though the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator's interior featured a mix of high-end materials and Art Deco-inspired design elements, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The key fob was lightweight and plasticky, but the optional Phone As A Key digital key technology offered a modern alternative.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while the electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. 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 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, offered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It provided 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for efficient use of the battery charge. During testing, the Aviator achieved 1.4 L/100 km when relying on electric power and 9.7 L/100 km over a longer distance. The Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension improved ride quality, though the Aviator's steering was heavy and numb. Despite its handling capabilities, the Aviator was not particularly engaging to drive, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable experience for passengers. The third-row seat was spacious and supportive, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,925 litres with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. However, the third-row seat was cramped, with limited kneeroom and legroom, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited to 519 litres behind the third row, 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,200 litres. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third-row seat was best suited for occasional use.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured 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 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 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the older Sync 3 software. While it included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the voice recognition system was less reliable. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and the optional Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the surround-view camera system aided parking.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was standard, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, drivers needed to remain attentive, as it did not always react to potential threats.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Aviator also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The steering wheel controls for the driver aids were unnecessarily complex, but the technology performed well on straight highways with light traffic. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.