2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its massive spindle grille and towering height of 1,885 millimetres. Its front end, with large headlights, gave it a distinctive and imposing presence on the road. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards functionality, with short overhangs and a compact wheelbase of 2,789 millimetres, making it appear more rugged and off-road capable. Inside, the GX's interior was a mix of luxury and practicality, with heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery, though it was let down by an abundance of plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator exuded luxury and sophistication, maintaining its status as Lincoln's flagship SUV. Despite lacking significant updates since its 2018 redesign, the Navigator remained a top choice for those seeking size and comfort. The Navigator Reserve model, with its Monochromatic Package, featured sleek black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim, adding to its upscale appearance. Inside, the Navigator's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials, including real wood trim and chrome accents, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from its luxury feel. The ambient lighting added character, and the spacious interior, with its 30-way adjustable front seats, ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2023 Lexus GX was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't boast the highest power figures, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, aided by a Torsen limited-slip differential and a 4WD system with a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator offered a more dynamic driving experience. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension, with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the SUV's large wheels and tires resulted in a less comfortable ride over rough surfaces. The Excite driving mode improved handling but at the cost of fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep centre console bin. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls, with hard buttons, were a welcome departure from touch interfaces, though they required some getting used to. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, but the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. Cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,322 litres with it folded, and 1,832 litres with both rear rows down.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and functionality. Its power-deploying running boards facilitated easy entry and exit, while the 30-way adjustable front seats offered unparalleled comfort, albeit with a steep learning curve. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the spacious third row, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Navigator's cargo capacity was impressive, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L model offering up to 3,403 litres of space with all seats folded. Storage solutions throughout the cabin added to its practicality.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over its predecessor, with standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX's off-road capabilities were a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain select system. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced both on-road and off-road performance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a comprehensive suite of technology, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the Sync 4 interface. The system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an impressive 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. The Navigator's digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the Lincoln Way app allowed for digital key functionality. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices, and the rear-seat entertainment system went unused by passengers.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX incorporated modern safety technology to enhance driver confidence.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured an extensive array of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) as part of the Co-Pilot360 suite. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise had limitations, struggling with curves and sudden lane changes. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA.