2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Lexus TX

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 maintained its status as Lincoln's flagship SUV, 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, though keeping it clean proved challenging. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black interior, real wood trim, and chrome accents, though some switchgear failed to convey the expected opulence. The ambient lighting added character, enhancing the overall upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented a more conservative yet upscale design. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The test model, equipped with 22-inch silver wheels, enhanced the SUV's appearance and presence. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. Inside, the TX 350's cabin featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a Peppercorn interior, though the dark tones made it feel somewhat sombre. Despite this, the TX's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust 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, it offered a Natural Resources Canada fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, though our testing loop averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator featured five Lincoln 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 was less than agreeable, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The SUV's size was a liability in urban settings, making parking and manoeuvring challenging.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's official fuel economy rating was 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, but our testing averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension struck a balance between firmness and comfort, providing commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft. Overall, the TX 350's performance was adequate for typical driving situations.

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

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more habitable third-row seat for adults. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row seat, though comfortable, lacked a massage function and had limited legroom. The third-row seat provided adequate leg support and a good view, though sliding the second-row seat forward compromised its comfort. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space was ample, with 572 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 2,746 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding commands and responding accurately. The Navigator also offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing lush sound. Lincoln Play installed two touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though they went unused by teenagers in the test vehicle.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features available in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen display, was user-friendly, especially with a Drive Connect subscription. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and the TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive fidelity, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.

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 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.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent. The TX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system worked well at low speeds, though Lexus did not offer a higher-speed hands-free driving assist system for the TX. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 proved smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in front.