2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. These enhancements made the Calligraphy trim appear more luxurious than other Palisade models, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Palisade Calligraphy impressed with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, premium Nappa leather, and a simulated wood trim, offering a cabin that seemed more expensive than its actual price.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of elegance. However, the new Audi-esque grille design was less well-received, lacking the elegance and presence of previous models. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress 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 display was a significant upgrade, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly fun. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while a new electronic brake booster enhanced brake response. The Navigator 4WD achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 18.6 mpg. The Navigator handled various driving conditions with ease, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, while the third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured 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 Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both systems supported Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade Calligraphy included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and user experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air update capabilities. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist were also included. Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a Blind View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist, which provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with three years of free Blue Link services for emergency assistance.

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 became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its operational limits, but drivers needed to remain vigilant for potential threats. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving.