2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore. The SUV came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring (ST) package available for all trims. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines on offer. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. Pricing ranged from $24,200 to $30,600, with the test model priced at $35,065 due to additional options and packages. Despite its high price, the Encore GX's interior quality was typical for its segment, though it had some design flaws, such as hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD).

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with a restyled front end. The changes were mostly well-received, except for the new grille, which some felt lacked the elegance of the previous design. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering ample display space. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with pricing starting at $78,405. The test model, a Black Label trim with a Central Park theme, was priced at $106,530.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine provided adequate power for highway driving, though the ride quality was inconsistent, and the interior noise levels were higher than expected for a premium brand. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's handling was decent, but it lacked the refinement expected from a premium vehicle. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust performance and a pleasing exhaust note. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The SUV featured an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, which improved ride quality over various road conditions. The new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. Fuel economy averaged 18.6 mpg, slightly above the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. Interior storage was good, with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with 30-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seats were spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Buick Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a navigation system, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Despite the added packages, it lacked the available 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and intuitive controls.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a modern interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go function required manual reactivation after a few seconds of idling, and the distance management settings were challenging to adjust. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from unpaved surfaces. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well but required constant driver attention. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving but still required human oversight.