2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available, with the latter featuring sportier aesthetics such as a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including the bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with a familiar gauge cluster and a somewhat outdated center stack design that included a rare CD player and elevated climate-control buttons.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end that drew mixed reviews. Despite the grille's controversial design, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, enhancing its luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The SUV's interior was further elevated by the introduction of a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display and a new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While not designed for sportiness, the NX offered a capable performance, with a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as the more advanced transmissions found in competitors. The NX's AWD system allowed up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle, but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The Navigator's 4WD system, combined with 9.7 inches of ground clearance, ensured confident handling in various conditions. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was estimated at 18 mpg combined, with real-world testing achieving 18.6 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding design. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available as an option.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort and space. The front seats were 30-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, while the third row offered roomy accommodations. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the Lexus system itself was not user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and intuitive experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and allowed users to save personal settings to a user profile. The Navigator also offered a new Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a range of safety features such as lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The SUV also featured ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. While these systems represented advancements in safety, they required the driver to remain attentive. The Navigator's safety features aimed to enhance driver confidence and convenience, though the technology was not infallible.