2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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, digital instrumentation, and a widescreen HUD, keeping the Navigator competitive in display technology.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its design from 2019, with the Trail trim featuring a two-part face and off-road-friendly elements. The Trail trim had a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents, but was more of a style statement than a true off-roader. The interior included a frameless rearview mirror and orange accents, with fabric upholstery and heated front seats standard on LE and XLE trims. The Limited trim offered synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a more premium feel. The RAV4 provided practical storage options and a rugged design, appealing to those seeking a versatile and stylish SUV.

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 4WD in Canada. It offered a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kg, 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. The SUV handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its 4WD, 24.5 cm ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard across all trims, with a Snow drive mode included. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for everyday driving. The Trail trim had 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models. The RAV4's engine was noisier than some competitors, but it offered a reliable and efficient driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its heated, ventilated, and available massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat was spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and provided 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear, with legroom measuring 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back. While the RAV4 offered less front headroom than some competitors, it provided more rear headroom. The interior featured practical storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with seats folded, placing it in the middle of its class.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air updates. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and voice command. The Limited trim also included an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version in the Limited trim. The Trail and Limited trims offered a wireless charging pad.

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 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.