2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 showcased BMW's renowned high-quality craftsmanship. As part of BMW's true SUV range, the X5 featured the brand's signature kidney grille and body shape, making it unmistakably a BMW. The SUV came with full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the xLine and M Sport, which offered different aesthetic touches like matte aluminum grilles and high-gloss black roof rails. Inside, the X5's interior was familiar, with many switches and dials from the BMW parts bin, providing a consistent but somewhat unremarkable design. Despite the abundance of black plastic, the interior featured plenty of leather and soft-touch materials, with M Sport models offering unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The SUV's grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was a rare misstep, but the rest of the updates were successful. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, digital instrumentation, and widescreen HUD kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels, starting at $78,405. The Black Label trim, tested in the new Central Park theme, featured a luxurious green interior and second-row captain's chairs, with a total sticker price of $106,530.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered several powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, achieving 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model provided 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at low and high speeds. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed bumps well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile driving range. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg, the X5 xDrive at 23 mpg, and the X5 xDrive45e at 50 MPGe.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and RWD or 4WD options. The engine produced 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, identified and prepared for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled well on various terrains, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. The Navigator 4WD achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined, with an average of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with front cupholders positioned out of the way and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, but the front seats felt hard after a few hours. The rear seats were spacious for kids and two adults, with an optional third row available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massaging features, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, with the Navigator's independent rear suspension design ensuring comfort. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the Navigator L offering even more room. The Navigator carried 19.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The Navigator L provided 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The test vehicle also had a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems had issues, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The 2021 X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite seven recalls.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also newly standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection were not experienced during testing, but Active Park Assist 2.0 worked well. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system disengaged on tighter curves and did not react to a nearby vehicle drifting into the Navigator's lane, highlighting the need for driver vigilance.