2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, with new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, alongside an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that, despite its Lincoln star and chrome detailing, seemed to lack the elegance and presence of its predecessor. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the vehicle's appeal, ensuring the Navigator remained competitive in the screen size race.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator rolled into the year without significant updates, maintaining its position as Lincoln's largest SUV. The test vehicle, a triple-black Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, offered an upscale feel, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury experience. The Navigator Reserve's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with ambient lighting adding character at night. However, the chrome plastic on some switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected in a vehicle of this calibre.

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 4WD in Canada. It boasted a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections. The adaptive-damping suspension, enhanced with Road Preview technology, improved ride quality by preparing for bumps and cracks ahead. The Navigator's electronic brake booster provided improved pedal feel and response, and the SUV handled snowy and muddy conditions with ease, thanks to its 4WD and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator retained the same powertrain, offering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview was standard, but the ride quality was less than agreeable, with the SUV riding like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving ride quality but negatively impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size proved challenging in urban environments, with its large dimensions making parking and manoeuvring difficult. The test vehicle averaged 15.0 L/100 km, higher than the official rating.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and available with a massage function. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable ride. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L providing even more room. Cargo capacity ranged from 546 litres behind the third row to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage, though they required time to adjust for optimal comfort. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, where even taller adults could sit comfortably. Storage space was ample, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row and 3,403 litres with the second-row seats collapsed.

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 its predecessor. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, fortified with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered sensational sound quality.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued with the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a twilight-inspired Constellation theme. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound, while the Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment, though it was largely ignored by teenage passengers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous hands-free driving technology, worked on approved highways, though it required driver attention and intervention in certain situations. The system performed well within its operational limits but did not react to all potential threats.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. BlueCruise, previously called ActiveGlide, offered hands-free driving on designated highways but required regular driver intervention. The system struggled with curves, mixed surfaces, and sudden lane changes by other drivers. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.