2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson presented a more conventional design compared to its futuristic successor. It featured an upright layout that offered a commanding view of the road, appealing to those who preferred a traditional small crossover aesthetic. Inside, the Tucson boasted a modern and attractive dashboard design, seamlessly integrating tech features into its overall look. The controls were intuitive, with every button and dial easily accessible. The Tucson was available in several trims, each adding more features, from the base SE with its 17-inch alloy wheels and 7-inch touchscreen to the top-tier Ultimate trim, which included a panoramic sunroof and an 8-inch touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt lacked the elegance of previous models. Despite this, the Navigator continued to impress with its luxurious interior, showcasing quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and the Constellation display theme added to the vehicle's appeal. The Navigator was available in Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with the Black Label offering a luxurious Central Park theme.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a more robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and came with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The base engine was considered underwhelming, especially at highway speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance around town. The Tucson's ride was comfortable and refined, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. Towing capacity varied from 1,500 pounds with the base engine to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. 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 technology, which prepared the suspension for bumps and potholes. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator demonstrated impressive performance, effortlessly climbing elevations and handling snow and mud with ease. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was slightly below average for the compact SUV segment, it offered adequate space for weekend trips or larger items. The Tucson's front seats provided solid headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seating for long journeys. The rear seats were less spacious but still accommodating for adults. The vehicle featured numerous storage compartments and trays for personal items.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in comfort and space, with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seats were roomy and supportive, 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, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons. Additional available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface with two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. The Navigator also included physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect, and the vehicle offered over-the-air updates for further enhancements. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, a 360-degree parking monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, and ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While ActiveGlide performed well, it required driver attention and did not fully replace the need for human oversight.