2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its established design and features without significant updates. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model continued to offer a blend of luxury and functionality. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, showcased the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, although keeping it clean proved challenging. Inside, the cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, despite its advanced features, was largely ignored by younger passengers in favor of their smartphones.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a more modern and luxurious aesthetic. The test vehicle, a 3.5T Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job, enhancing its premium appeal. The exterior design, with dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels, was stylish yet understated. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was opulent, with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The GV80's cabin was a testament to luxury, though the Prestige Signature's exterior did not significantly outshine the regular Prestige model. Overall, the GV80's interior was a highlight, offering a sense of luxury and sophistication.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, it offered a robust performance, though fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined and an observed 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator featured five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, with the latter enhancing performance at the cost of fuel efficiency. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floaty over larger dips. The SUV's size was a liability in urban settings, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options, with the 3.5T model featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided satisfying performance, though it was thirsty, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined and an observed 17.2 mpg. The GV80's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system contributed to a rewarding driving experience. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes enhanced its athleticism, while the steering, though unremarkable, was adequate. The GV80 excelled in both urban and mountain road settings, offering a sporty feel and commendable grip from its all-season tires.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats, providing comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved overwhelming, and finding the perfect setting was challenging. The Navigator's storage space was ample, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. For those needing more cargo space, the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more room behind the third-row seat and overall.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80's interior was luxurious but less accommodating in terms of passenger capacity. The Prestige Signature trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, limiting seating to four people. The GV80's seats, though equipped with massage functions and power adjustments, were not as comfortable as expected, with the diamond-stitched surfaces feeling like bubble wrap. The SUV's cargo space was commendable, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the rear center console in the Prestige Signature required careful loading of cargo.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The Navigator's digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused the phone to overheat, leading to its disuse. The test vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though advanced, was largely ignored by passengers.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement required the use of a control dial on the center console. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80's voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was graphically pleasing. The SUV also featured a digital key system, allowing smartphone access. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims included a head-up display, providing blind-spot warnings. The GV80's sound system, a Lexicon premium setup, was set to be replaced by Bang & Olufsen components in 2025.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted numerous ADAS and safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA worked well in light or dense, slow-moving traffic but was less desirable in moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided a video feed within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80's Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for autonomous parking, even with the driver outside the vehicle. The SUV received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for driver and passenger seating positions.