2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and upscale design. Despite lacking significant updates since its last redesign in 2018, 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. Our 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. However, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall premium feel. The ambient lighting from the 201A package added character, enhancing the upscale atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, showcasing a robust design with hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and muscular stances. Our test model, the top-trim Capstone, featured abundant chrome brightwork and was presented in Celestial Silver, giving it a slightly dated appearance. Inside, the Sequoia's interior mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim featured SofTex leatherette seating. The Sequoia offered a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or an upgraded panoramic version, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

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, it achieved a fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, though our testing loop averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the optional towing package. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The SUV's size posed challenges in urban environments, with limited manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid setup improved fuel economy to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia's part-time 4WD system included a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, with TRD Pro models equipped with a skid plate. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, providing adequate on-road handling. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating in all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, 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 easy access to the third row, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model provided additional cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, enhancing accessibility. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, did not create a flat load floor, affecting headroom and legroom. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating. The Sequoia's interior dimensions placed it behind rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in terms of legroom, though it surpassed the Jeep Wagoneer in front-row legroom.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 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 well, understanding commands accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. Lincoln Play installed touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though they were largely ignored in favour of smartphones.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch centre touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashy design. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch unit, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims. The 10-inch colour head-up display was exclusive to the Capstone trim. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited trim and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

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. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, offering a comprehensive range of safety and driver-assistance features. Standard features included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.