2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV presented a sleek and mature appearance, subtly differentiating itself from its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. While it shared some design elements like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline, the EV version featured more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design echoed the front with a light bar, replacing shield shapes with hexagons. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels on the 1LT and 2LT trims, with 21-inch versions on higher trims, added to its appeal. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims, enhancing its youthful and exuberant look. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional color choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious and functional design, with no significant updates since its last redesign in 2018. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The Navigator's interior was upscale, with quality materials and ambient lighting adding character. However, some chrome plastic switchgear failed to convey luxury. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with power-deploying running boards for easy access and 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, and the extended-length Navigator L model offered even more cargo space.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It provided a comfortable ride on 19-inch wheels, with a single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant producing 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version featured a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 (AC) charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. It had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview aimed to improve ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was inconsistent, feeling like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. Excite mode improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent outward visibility and impressive grip, but its nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors. It also offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with covers to hide cupholders and a wireless charging pad. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, supporting the MyChevrolet app for navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered 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 wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the Navigator using a digital key.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. It also featured rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic braking, blind-zone steering assist, Safety Alert Seat, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on designated highways but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.