Lincoln Navigator vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator embraced a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to a subtler, yet still glamorous, appearance. The Black Label Special Edition package added a touch of sophistication with blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo and light bars to stand out. The overall design was cleaner and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator featured a minimalist cabin with a 48-inch panoramic display and quality materials, although some cheaper elements persisted. The Black Label trim made its Canadian debut, offering a luxurious experience with options like the Enlighten interior theme and Special Edition Package.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a stylish and well-equipped interior across its two trims, Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. The exterior featured a massive grille, LED lighting, and body-colour heated side mirrors. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its organic design, comfortable seating, and thoughtful storage solutions. The hybrid powertrain combined a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 329 horsepower. The Palisade Hybrid excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable ride, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, although the pedal feel was softer, creating a slightly disjointed driving experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and had a towing capacity of up to 3,950 kilograms. The Navigator's 4WD system and 22.6 centimetres of ground clearance made it capable on various terrains. During testing, the Navigator achieved a fuel economy of 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, close to the official rating. Despite its weight, the Navigator was responsive, with various driving modes to adjust powertrain response and suspension firmness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, and the steering wheel design was not ideal for a large SUV. On mountain roads, the Navigator offered good grip and body control, with strong brakes and maneuverability aided by a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system optimized power and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid's powertrain allowed for smooth acceleration and impressive performance, with the ability to adjust power distribution for better handling. Inside, the cabin was quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, but the pedal feel was softer, creating a slightly disjointed driving experience. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid provided a comfortable and efficient ride.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space and cargo capacity, with Perfect Position seats providing up to 24-way power adjustment. The Black Label trim added 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system enhanced comfort with scent, sound, imagery, and massage. However, rear seat space was tighter than expected due to thick front seats. The Navigator L provided more cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design for easier access. The standard-length Navigator offered 611 litres of cargo space behind the third row, while the Navigator L expanded to 1,022 litres.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid provided 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but offering more than others. The battery's position under the front passenger seat reduced second-row legroom, but the cabin remained comfortable with dual-zone climate control and multiple USB-C power outlets. The Palisade Hybrid came standard with a second-row bench seat, with captain's chairs available on higher trims. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a centre console with a rubberized cargo space and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, some controls were only accessible through the touchscreen, which could be distracting while driving. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Higher trims added a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off. The vehicle also featured a wireless charging pad, although it could overheat on warm days.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. However, the Navigator had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a range of ADAS features, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert indicator. The Palisade Hybrid had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.