2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to carry the legacy of its fourth-generation design, which was last refreshed in 2022. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the Navigator maintained its traditional luxury SUV appeal with minimal changes. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, showcased a 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, real wood trim, and chrome accents, though some switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character, but the chrome plastic detracted from the overall premium experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold redesign, moving away from the softer lines of its predecessor to a more geometric and aggressive styling. The new GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front fascia. The body appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The GX was offered in six trim levels, with the Overtrail models focusing on off-road capabilities and the Luxury trims emphasizing comfort. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and robust controls for off-road functions, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged adventures.

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 4WD. It had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined, but during testing, it averaged 15.6 mpg. The Navigator offered five drive modes, with an optional Hill Climb mode for towing. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floaty over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a liability in urban settings, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2024 Lexus GX, now equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, produced 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential enhanced its off-road prowess. The Overtrail trims featured the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for better wheel articulation. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes under favorable conditions. Despite its size, the GX handled twists and turns with minimal body roll, offering a controlled and relaxed driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage features. However, the multitude of adjustments proved cumbersome. Storage was ample, with various trays and covered compartments maintaining a clean interior look. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly 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 but retaining essential controls. The first and second rows provided ample space for six-foot-tall adults, while the third row was best suited for children. The GX offered competitive cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded. Overtrail models, without a third row, provided even more cargo capacity. The GX's interior was practical and spacious, catering to both passenger comfort and cargo needs.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the Sync 4 interface. It offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and a navigation system with voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. Lincoln Play provided rear-seat entertainment, though it went unused by teenagers during testing.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription included an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect allowed remote vehicle access. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and lacked a lane-change assist function. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control use. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS instilled confidence in the GX's safety offerings.