2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted an imposing blend of elegance and functionality, transcending the mere image of a dressed-up Ford Expedition which older models conveyed. Sharing side glass and general contours with the Expedition, the Navigator distinctly separated itself by presenting a uniquely Lincoln aesthetic, devoid of Ford's familiar touches even down to the turn signal stalk. The Navigator Reserve trim, priced at $92,000 MSRP, captured attention not just from American SUV enthusiasts but from those accustomed to the luxury of Benzes and Ranges.

This three-ton vehicle, despite its mammoth footprint, executed a theme of elegance and understatement. Its rectilinear design extended to the body-color grille, windows, headlights, and the full-width taillight assembly. Chrome accents on the door trim, grille, and fender logos added a touch of class, neatly contrasting with the exterior colors, such as the tested Pristine White with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and an illuminated Lincoln logo. The vehicle performed a soft light show when locked or unlocked, complementing the powered running boards’ spotlight.

Inside, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was nothing short of opulent. Featuring seven distinctive color palettes, like the Slate Gray of the test model, the cabin emphasized refined details. The dashboard showcased layered wood trim, and the push-button gear selector seamlessly integrated into the center stack. The floating center console, chrome switches, and a minimalist digital instrument panel added to the modern, muted look. Materials were high quality with tight panel gaps, further elevated by the wilder Black Label trims offering textures like light blue leather and white wood. The Perfect Position seats with 30-way adjustment options demonstrated the Navigator's commitment to comfort. While models like the Range Rover might compete in terms of luxury, they didn’t match the Navigator's generous space, and certainly not at its price range, which maxed out at $109,000 for the Black Label variant.

By contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, a practical crossover SUV with minivan roots, aimed to fulfill the family-friendly role without the fuss of sliding doors. Starting at $33,700 and maxing out at $53,400 in the High Country trim, the Traverse presented a value-driven option in the crossover market. The 2022 model received a facelift with new headlights, taillights, bumpers, and grille designs, accompanied by refreshed aluminum wheels and updated color options. Special editions like the Redline, Midnight, and Sport Editions added blacked-out trim for a bolder appearance.

Our Traverse RS test model, priced at $48,895, included RS-specific styling cues, such as dark gray 20-inch wheels and liberal use of blacked-out trim. Its crisp, tailored lines and tasteful detailing underscored a restrained yet appealing design, distinguished within its segment. However, the Traverse’s interior revealed a mix of hard plastic surfaces and gloss black trim, especially noticeable on the upper door panels. Black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, a black headliner, and moderated use of polished metallic accents gave it a slightly cave-like feel. The layout was functional and straightforward, featuring matte-finish black switchgear with white markings to reduce glare and improve usability.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a potent twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, inherited from the Ford Raptor. This powerhouse delivered an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, making the massive SUV feel surprisingly agile. Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, the Navigator’s performance belied its size. Its 4WD system allowed smooth transitions without binding during tight turns. The Navigator also offered substantial towing capabilities, with 8,300 pounds for the 4WD and 8,700 pounds for the RWD versions.

However, fuel economy was a notable drawback, averaging around the EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined (16 city, 20 highway). The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride but lacked the sophistication of Cadillac's magnetic shocks and air springs. This led to a somewhat firm ride over rough surfaces, with occasional jolts. The steering and brakes, though adequate, didn’t match the superior control feel of the Cadillac Escalade. Regardless, the Navigator’s robust low-end thrust, refined cabin, and comfortable highway performance impressed, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

In comparison, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a singular engine option—a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination adequately powered the Traverse, which was primarily used for family commuting rather than heavy-duty tasks. The Traverse boasted a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when equipped for towing, supported by dedicated Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes.

The Traverse’s V6 engine emitted a mild whine under acceleration, yet it was enough to handle the vehicle’s bulk. In terms of fuel economy, it achieved an EPA-rated 20 mpg in combined driving, returning an observed 20.9 mpg in our tests. The ride quality was compliant, absorbing minor road imperfections while maintaining firmness. However, over speed humps and dips, the suspension felt softer, risking scraping the front air dam if handled too roughly. On the highway, the Traverse dealt with road and wind noise, limiting its quietness compared to more refined competitors like the Buick Enclave.

The Traverse excelled in more dynamic driving contexts, with its V6 engine, Active Return Assist steering, and durable brakes delivering commendable performance. Yet, the RS trim’s tires did not enhance its sportiness, and the handling felt disconnected at higher speeds on undulating roads. Despite this, the Traverse remained predictable and trustworthy.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered expansive interior space akin to a small bedroom. It comfortably accommodated six adults across its three rows with ample headroom, legroom, and arm space. The technically seven-passenger configuration reserved the third-row middle seat for children. Standard second-row captain’s chairs could be swapped for a bench seat, increasing capacity to eight. Cargo space was generous—19 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57 cubic feet behind the second, and maxing out at 103 cubic feet. The longer-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage: 34 cubic feet, 73 cubic feet, and 120 cubic feet respectively. Additional features included heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. However, some wished for more sophisticated amenities like side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats, noting the potential for improvement.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse allowed a maximum of seven passengers in RS, Premier, and High Country trims due to the standard captain’s chairs. However, the absence of a second-row bench seat limited the capacity. Our test model offered power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and large rear doors facilitated easier access to the third-row seats.

While our model’s all-black cabin was comfortable in mild weather, some adults felt the second-row captain’s chairs lacked leg support. Nonetheless, the wide pass-through and Smart Slide feature improved third-row accessibility. Although the third row could accommodate adults, it wasn’t as comfortable as those in larger SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe. Additionally, the Traverse’s interior storage was abundant, with various compartments, including hidden storage behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor.

In terms of cargo space, the Traverse provided 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet and maxing out at 98.2 cubic feet, though these figures fell short compared to the Navigator’s capacity.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which, while functional, felt outdated against the flashy innovations of competitors like the Escalade. The instrument panel was standard, lacking full-screen maps and modern designs, wireless connectivity options were absent, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not groundbreaking. However, the intuitive software experience, onboard 4G WiFi, and remote functionality via a smartwatch app compensated somewhat. The rear entertainment system’s Roku media streaming and various connections provided some modern touches, though the technology was simpler compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, offered a choice between 7-inch and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, with higher trims including an 8-inch digital instrument panel. Both systems supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology allowed parental controls and driving report cards. The 8-inch system included integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L radio, and more in-vehicle apps, including Alexa Built-In. A seven-speaker Bose system was standard from the RS trim onward but didn’t stand out much. However, the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 showcased excellent voice recognition technology, enhancing user convenience. Visibility was generally good, with occasional mirror distortion and blockages mitigated by an available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator excelled in safety evaluations, earning five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with a minor dip for rollover resistance in 4WD (four stars) and RWD (three stars) models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hadn’t yet rated the current Navigator. It lacked knee airbags, but optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row aimed to reduce chest injuries. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams, with optional adaptive cruise control not matching some competitors in lane-steering capabilities.

Beginning with the 2022 model, the Chevrolet Traverse standardized the Chevy Safety Assist package across all trims. This suite included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a following-distance indicator. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. Safety technology like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert was also available. The NHTSA had yet to release crash-test results for the 2022 Traverse at the time, but it generally received “Good” ratings from the IIHS except for the more stringent side-impact test, where it rated “Acceptable.”