2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a bold new design, drawing inspiration from Nissan's latest SUV styling trends. It featured a revamped V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo prominently displayed. The LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a modern touch, while the bulky C-pillar paid homage to the original Pathfinder. With 11 paint options and a distinctive black roof, the Pathfinder presented a robust and contemporary aesthetic. The SUV's wider stance and increased height contributed to its rugged appearance, aligning with Nissan's goal to position it as a more capable vehicle. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a refined interior, with upscale materials and seating configurations that catered to families, making it a strong competitor against models like the Highlander and Telluride.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious appeal without significant updates from its previous iteration. As Lincoln's flagship SUV, it boasted a commanding presence with its triple-black Reserve model, featuring black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The Navigator's interior exuded opulence, with real wood trim and chrome accents, although some plastic elements detracted from the overall luxury feel. The ambient lighting added character, enhancing the cabin's upscale atmosphere. Despite its size, the Navigator's design aimed to provide a sense of elegance and sophistication, appealing to those seeking a premium full-size SUV experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder offered smooth gear transitions and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-wheel drive in Canada, along with hill descent control and seven drive modes, enhanced its versatility. The Pathfinder's suspension provided a stable ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively. With a 6,000-pound towing capacity and trailer sway control, it proved capable for towing needs. The Pathfinder's tight turning radius made it manoeuvrable in urban settings, setting it apart from competitors like the Highlander and Telluride.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain offered robust performance. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension, with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the SUV's handling was inconsistent. While Excite mode improved performance on winding roads, it negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its substantial curb weight affecting braking performance. Despite its power, the Navigator's driving experience was marred by its cumbersome nature in tight spaces.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. Enhanced insulation reduced road noise, while thoughtful design elements catered to family needs. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide system facilitated easy access to the third row, accommodating up to five car seats. With best-in-class front-seat legroom and ample cargo space, the Pathfinder excelled in practicality. Its removable second-row centre console and generous storage options added convenience. The Pathfinder's spacious interior, with heated and ventilated seats, ensured comfort on long journeys, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator emphasized luxury and functionality. Its power-deploying running boards and 30-way adjustable front seats offered comfort and convenience. The spacious second-row captain's chairs and third-row seating provided ample room for passengers. However, the front seats' numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, especially in the long-wheelbase model, accommodating substantial luggage. Despite its size, the Navigator's interior design aimed to deliver a premium experience, with quality materials and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. Standard offerings included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Upper trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder's technology package was user-friendly, providing essential connectivity and entertainment options without overwhelming drivers.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted an array of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a navigation system and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, enhancing user experience. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality, while the Lincoln Play infotainment system catered to rear-seat passengers, though it was underutilized by teenagers.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on higher trims. The Pathfinder offered ten airbags, with an additional airbag in the Platinum trim. However, crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available, though it struggled with certain driving conditions. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, but a full crashworthiness assessment was not provided.