2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and updated in 2022, entered 2023 without major changes. It remained Lincoln’s largest SUV, positioned above the Corsair, Nautilus, and Aviator. The Navigator Reserve, the sole trim available in Canada, featured standard four-wheel drive. Our test model, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, included the 201A option package and the Monochromatic Package, which added black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Despite its upscale cabin with quality materials, some chrome plastic elements failed to convey luxury. The interior was predominantly black, with real wood trim and chrome accents, and ambient lighting added contrast at night.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the year, was tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h Luxury model, indistinguishable from the standard RX 350 except for a badge, featured 21-inch alloy wheels. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. While the RX maintained its popularity, its design was not considered stunning, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that visually reduced its rear overhang. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic look with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2023 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 4WD. It had a fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes, with an adaptive damping suspension that included Road Preview. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent visibility and impressive grip, but the steering was slow and the brakes struggled with its weight.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350h, with a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving but achieved 7.4 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, but averaged 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, offering a more engaging drive. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats across three rows and a spacious cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage. However, the numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. Storage was ample, with various trays and covered compartments. The long-wheelbase Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided comfort with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced headroom. Cargo space increased to 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seat folded, surpassing the previous model but still trailing some competitors.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play system. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, but the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality, and the Lincoln Way app allowed digital key access.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had limitations, such as single-menu viewing and screen reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses. Despite these issues, the system represented a significant upgrade.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator included the Co-Pilot360 suite with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, operated on designated highways but struggled with curves and sudden lane changes. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. However, the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction features had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these were not tested.