2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out by not mimicking its competitors' styles. Instead, it adopted the successful design language of the larger Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the air of class and luxury.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, while making subtle styling changes, continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The updated Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and the new Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV enhanced the overall experience. The Navigator's interior remained spacious and comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats in both the front and second rows.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator provided robust acceleration and a smooth ride, though it exhibited noticeable body roll in corners and was somewhat awkward to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed for a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The SUV handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Navigator achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls enhanced passenger comfort. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, with the second-row captain's chairs now featuring massaging, heating, and ventilation. The third-row seats remained roomy and supportive. 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 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape layout of the screen made for a natural user experience, and the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display (HUD) added to the tech-savvy interior.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV provided access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems such as Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The Navigator's safety features aimed to enhance driving confidence and convenience.