2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and upscale design. Despite its last redesign in 2018 and a refresh in 2022, the Navigator maintained its status as Lincoln's flagship model, offering a single trim level in Canada, the Navigator Reserve, with standard four-wheel drive. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black interior, real wood trim panels, and chrome accents, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall premium feel. The ambient lighting from the 201A package added a touch of character to the interior, enhancing the upscale atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant transformation, embracing a more geometric and aggressive design compared to its predecessor. The new GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front fascia. The SUV's profile appeared as if carved from a solid block of metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The GX was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages emphasizing luxury or off-road capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen display and robust polyurethane-derived touchpoints. The GX's design and features positioned it as a premium SUV ready for both on-road comfort and off-road adventures.

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 drivetrain, the Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. The Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and manoeuvring difficult.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on-road and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential enhanced off-road capabilities. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. The GX's performance impressed with its acceleration and braking, while its composed handling on-road was a pleasant surprise.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating in all three rows and a generous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage features. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample space and a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage space was abundant, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The long-wheelbase Navigator L model provided even more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior showcased a minimalist and sophisticated design, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. The first and second rows offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults, while the third row, available in certain packages, was best suited for children. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with the third row folded. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity, making the GX a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system went unused by passengers.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the Drive Connect subscription service for voice commands. The GX offered a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages featuring a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription-based features after the initial trial period could be a consideration for long-term owners.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The BlueCruise hands-free driving assist system allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways, but it struggled with curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and comprehensive ADAS instilled confidence in its safety offerings.