2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and upscale design. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model remained largely unchanged since its last refresh in 2022. The Navigator Reserve, the sole trim available in Canada, featured a striking Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim, although keeping the Infinite Black exterior clean proved challenging. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black theme, real wood trim, and chrome accents, although some switchgear failed to convey the expected opulence. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, despite its advanced features, was largely ignored by younger passengers in favour of their smartphones.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a more rugged and practical design, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face and blacked-out wheels. The interior of the Trail trim was enhanced with orange accents and contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair to the otherwise straightforward cabin. While the RAV4's interior was not as luxurious as the Navigator's, it provided a sense of ruggedness with its lever-style gear shifter and practical storage solutions. The RAV4's design remained consistent with the 2019 model, offering a balance of style and functionality that appealed to a wide range of buyers.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite. However, the ride quality was less than ideal, with the SUV feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. The Excite mode improved handling but at the cost of fuel efficiency, with the Navigator averaging 15.0 L/100 km during testing. Despite its size, the Navigator felt surprisingly nimble on mountain roads, though its weight challenged the brakes.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a performance that was more functional than thrilling. The RAV4's AWD system, now standard across all trims, included a Snow drive mode for added versatility. While the RAV4's acceleration was not particularly exciting, it offered a quieter ride compared to some competitors. The Trail trim's 19-inch wheels and suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, though it was more suited for everyday driving than off-road adventures.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, which featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. While the seats were comfortable, their numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. The Navigator's storage solutions were plentiful, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The long-wheelbase Navigator L model provided even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for those needing to transport both people and luggage.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, offered competitive interior space with 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear. While the RAV4's front-row legroom was on par with competitors, the rear seats were narrower. The RAV4 provided practical storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was ample, with 1,059 litres available behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it ahead of some rivals in terms of storage capacity.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a suite 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 performed well, though the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices. The Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound quality, and the Lincoln Way app allowed for digital key functionality. However, the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The RAV4's connected services included Safety Connect and Drive Connect, with some features requiring a subscription. The Limited trim also offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique features like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist added to its safety credentials. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4's safety features were comprehensive, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert also included. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, reflecting its strong performance in crash tests.