2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a long-awaited revival of a classic, drawing inspiration from its 1966 predecessor. Ford's designers embraced "Retrofuturism," blending nostalgic design elements with modern technology and materials. The Bronco's exterior featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a choice of 32-inch or 35-inch tires with the Sasquatch package. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Bronco offered a modular removable hardtop or a black soft-top, with a range of vibrant paint colors. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with contemporary technology, including a color touchscreen and a digitized instrument cluster, while maintaining a rugged and durable feel.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. Despite a grille reminiscent of an Audi, the Navigator maintained its luxurious presence. Inside, it 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 and a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system enhanced the driving experience. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels, providing a comfortable and spacious interior for all passengers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged engine producing 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All models featured standard four-wheel drive. During testing in challenging weather conditions, the Bronco demonstrated its off-road prowess, handling mud, slick rock, and treacherous trails with ease. The 2.7-liter engine provided ample power for both on-road and off-road driving, making the Bronco a capable and fun off-roader.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. With a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, the Navigator excelled in power and capability. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology ensured a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement. During testing, the Navigator effortlessly climbed snowy elevations and handled mud and snow with ease, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Ford Bronco emphasized modularity, with removable doors and fenders for easy repair and customization. The doors featured dedicated storage bags and simple removal tools, while the fenders and bumpers were designed for easy replacement. Inside, the Bronco offered practical features like trail sights on the hood and a row of buttons for suspension settings. The interior was rugged yet functional, with auxiliary switches for additional equipment.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, along with an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with up to 120.2 cubic feet of cargo volume in the long-wheelbase configuration.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with an 8-inch standard touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch display. The G.O.A.T. system provided multiple drive modes for various terrains, while the Sasquatch Package included Bilstein shock absorbers for enhanced off-road capability. The Bronco also offered a range of tech upgrades, including a B&O sound system and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering dual data panels for navigation and music. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air updates. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system for an immersive sound experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more options available on higher trim levels. The Mid Package included Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping systems. The High Package added a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations, but crash-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, drivers were advised to remain attentive. These features represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, but complete trust in the technology was not yet achieved.