2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance felt dated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle yet impactful styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The Navigator's interior dazzled with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The spacious cabin offered exceptional comfort, especially with the 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain’s chairs. The Navigator's interior updates contributed to a more luxurious and modern feel compared to the GX.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride comfort, while the new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel. The Navigator handled various driving conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator also offered a competitive fuel economy of 18 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high center console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain’s chairs. The third row offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator excelled in 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 Navigator L. The spacious interior and generous cargo capacity made the Navigator a practical choice for families and those needing ample storage.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a notable feature, but overall, the GX's tech offerings were limited.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the voice recognition system showed improvement. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle's 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience, enhancing the Navigator's tech appeal.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The highlight was ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, which performed well under specific conditions. The Navigator's safety features represented a step toward fully autonomous driving, though driver attention remained crucial.