2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. 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 interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's tech appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Venza stood out in the midsize crossover SUV category with its sleek and sculpted design, resembling a Lexus more than a typical Toyota. The rear roofline tapered sharply, avoiding the weak look of some coupe-like SUVs. Inside, the Venza borrowed from the RAV4 but featured nicer materials and details, such as integrated climate-control buttons and more soft-touch surfaces. The overall design was cohesive and attractive, making it one of Toyota's best-looking vehicles.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator's 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and various driving modes made it capable in snow and mud. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was rated at 18 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid setup included a CVT and AWD, with electric motors providing initial acceleration. The Venza reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, a respectable time for its class. The ride quality prioritized comfort over sporty handling, with light steering effort and adequate handling. The Venza's ride was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's but not as plush as a Lexus. It handled road imperfections well, providing a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also featured heating, ventilation, and massage options. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats provided ample space for taller occupants, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof with an opaque mode. Rear visibility was limited, but the rear seats were spacious with plenty of legroom and foot room. Cargo capacity was 28.8 cubic feet, less than competitors like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Venza was not rated for towing. However, it excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and large door pockets.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. A Wi-Fi connection and remote vehicle monitoring were available, along with a Drive Connect service on the Limited trim. The base audio system had six speakers, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but still required human oversight.

The 2023 Toyota Venza received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The XLE trim added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Limited trim included a surround-view camera, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror. The advanced safety features functioned smoothly, with no false alarms reported.