2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, for a long time perceived as an embellished Ford Expedition, came with substantial updates that differentiated it significantly from its Ford sibling. Sharing only the side glass and overall footprint with the Expedition, the Navigator’s design was unique. Its exterior radiated elegance and understatement, even though it was a three-ton truck riding on 22-inch wheels. The rectilinear shapes of the grille, windows, headlights with distinctive double sweeping LED running lights, and full-width taillight assembly gave it a modern yet classy appearance. The Monochromatic Package featured body-color elements that enhanced its aesthetic appeal, with just the right amount of chrome on the door trim, grille, and fender logos.

The Pristine White variant with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and an illuminated Lincoln logo looked majestic in wintery conditions. Unlocking the car initiated a playful light show, with gentle fades and spotlights illuminating the powered running boards.

Inside, the Navigator showcased seven opulent color palettes, with details like layered wood trim behind the 10-inch touchscreen and a floating center console with chromed switches. The materials were premium, and the panel gaps were minimal. Black Label trims elevated the luxury further with more textures on the seats and softer leather on the dash and door tops. The Perfect Position seats offered a mind-blowing 30 adjustments, providing one of the most comfortable experiences in its segment. Despite its size, the Navigator’s interior was roomy and inviting, making it feel like a luxury apartment on wheels.

The 2022 Ford Expedition received several styling revisions that gave it a fresh look. The front end boasted a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear featured revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. The redesigned wheels added to the refreshed appeal across the Expedition model lineup.

Our Stone Blue Metallic test vehicle captured attention and received compliments frequently. The Stealth Edition Package on the Limited trim added elements like black 22-inch wheels, extensive “EXPEDITION” lettering on the hood, and a mixture of blacked-out and body-colored exterior trim. Opting for the Stealth Performance Package added sporty red-painted brake calipers.

The Expedition's interior featured Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The dashboard was redesigned to accommodate these new technologies, and our leather-lined Limited Stealth Edition had a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display that added a modern touch to the cabin. Despite its F-150 pickup-grade plastic trims, the Expedition's high-tech equipment and leather seats created a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator packed an impressive twin-turbo V6 engine derived from the Ford Raptor. With a 3.5-liter displacement, this powerful engine churned out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, making the Navigator feel agile. The 10-speed automatic transmission, available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), contributed to the SUV's responsiveness. The 4WD system transitioned smoothly between RWD and 4WD High without binding in tight turns, surpassing its GM competitors. This behemoth also flaunted a significant towing capacity—8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds on RWD variants.

However, its fuel economy was less favorable, averaging in the teens, aligned with its EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined rating (16 city, 20 highway). While the adaptive dampers were standard, the suspension lacked the finesse of the Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs, resulting in occasional harsh rides over rough pavement. The steering and brakes also felt less controlled compared to its competitors, though not enough to render it unwieldy. The Navigator excelled with its powerful thrust and serene highway ride, making it a refined and powerful choice for long journeys.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 across all models. Our test vehicle, not a high-output version, delivered 380 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm, with the option to generate 400 hp and 480 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, power was directed to the rear wheels unless 4WD was selected. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds depending on the model and equipment.

Despite not towing during the test, the Expedition’s power was addictive, and the twin-turbo V6 provided a pleasing sound. The SUV's fuel economy fell between 17 mpg and 19 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 16.2 mpg. The Expedition’s sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition Package did not match the adaptive damping suspension available on higher trims, leading to a rough ride on uneven surfaces. The 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires further contributed to the harshness but improved handling and grip.

The Expedition impressed with its maneuverability despite its size, thanks to excellent visibility and features like front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The vehicle shone on highways, offering comfort and a peaceful ride on long trips.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its expansive space, easily accommodated six adults with ample headroom and legroom. The boxy shape enhanced cargo space, offering 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. For those needing more room, the long-wheelbase Navigator L provided 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet respectively. Unique features like the separately opening rear glass added convenience.

Our Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. An optional console for the second row added climate and stereo controls. However, the absence of side window shades and power-reclining rear seats were notable omissions, with competition offering more advanced features. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable with 30 adjustments, making long drives pleasant though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, true to its full-size SUV designation, provided impressive comfort and accessibility. Power running boards made entry and exit effortless. Our test vehicle’s heated and ventilated leather front seats along with a heated steering wheel added comfort. A wide center console offered ample storage, while the massaging seats available in higher trims were a luxurious touch.

Second-row passengers enjoyed heated captain’s chairs with climate controls and overhead air vents but had slightly limited toe room. Access to the third row was easy, with comfortable seats providing storage trays and USB ports. Cargo space behind the third row was 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats down (up to 104.6 cubic feet with both rows folded). The Expedition Max variant provided even more cargo space at 34.3, 73.3, and 121.5 cubic feet respectively.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, despite its 10-inch touchscreen feeling somewhat outdated compared to newer rivals, offered a user-friendly interface. While lacking wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it featured a 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo, 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, smartwatch app integration, and remote ignition key functionality via smartphone. Voice recognition was swift and accurate, and the onboard 4G WiFi added connectivity. However, the absence of full-screen maps and wireless software updates through the vehicle's modem was a downside.

The 2022 Ford Expedition showcased Ford’s next-gen Sync 4 and Sync 4A systems. The standard Sync 4 had a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered an optional 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with WiFi hotspot, and natural voice recognition. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and advanced Bang & Olufsen sound systems.

Sync 4A’s interface was sophisticated, although it had quirks like issues with re-starting Apple CarPlay and occasional activation of the wrong functions. The dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was a notable addition for 2022, enhancing passenger experience. Additionally, Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 simplified trailer maneuvering, making it a practical choice for hauling.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, earned five stars overall, except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). Although the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated it, the Navigator featured automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams as standard. Adaptive cruise control was optional but did not steer as competently as rivals.

The 2022 Ford Expedition boasted an array of Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Active Park Assist 2.0.

Higher trims featured a surround-view camera system, rear automatic emergency braking, and BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. While adaptive cruise control was smooth and refined, lane-centering assist exhibited occasional erratic behavior on curves and busy roads, requiring constant driver monitoring.