2021 Buick Envision vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Buick Envision had undergone a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, available in China and North America, positioned itself between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick’s lineup. The new Envision was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more planted appearance on the street. Its premium crossover styling was more sculpted than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut in this model year, featuring upgraded exterior elements and a unique interior trim pattern.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt lacked the elegance of previous models. Despite this, the Navigator continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design inside. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, while the updated Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter base engine. This engine produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a downgrade from the 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque of the 2020 model. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's performance was more about daily drivability than sporty dynamics. The front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the AWD version managed 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, engine and road noise were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a pleasing note under acceleration. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined for the 4WD model, and it performed admirably in various driving conditions, including snow and mud.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not translate into improved cabin space. Despite a longer wheelbase, the front and rear seats offered less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room compared to the previous model. Cargo capacity also decreased, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit design limited the front passenger's access to controls, and the abundance of piano black plastic attracted dust. However, the Envision remained comfortable for daily driving, with standard features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to excel in comfort, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats that were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive. 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 Navigator's interior was designed for maximum comfort and convenience, making it an excellent choice for families and long trips.

The 2021 Buick Envision's technology was functional but not groundbreaking. The standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen was responsive and displayed necessary functionalities clearly. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display. However, the driver-centric design made it difficult for the front passenger to access the infotainment system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a significant tech upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface. The Navigator also offered a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system and an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. Overall, the Navigator's tech offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on the Avenir trim. However, the Envision lacked advanced driver assist systems like GM's Super Cruise.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive. These new safety features represented significant advancements, making the Navigator a safer choice for families.