2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinct turn signal stalk. Its elegance and understated design were evident despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. The grille, windows, and lighting elements were defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with tasteful chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven color palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Black Label trims elevated the luxury experience with additional textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided exceptional comfort, making the Navigator one of the most luxurious large SUVs available.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. However, the Terrain's entry-level status was evident in the quality of materials and execution of details. The optional head-up display projected information onto a clear plastic panel rather than the windshield, and the pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive. Despite these shortcomings, the Terrain offered a roomy interior with numerous comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat was spacious, with ample legroom and foot room, and the cargo space was generous, measuring 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, offering a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, consistent with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking feel, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the acceleration and towing capacity of the previous 2.0-liter engine, the 1.5-liter engine offered decent performance with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain's AWD system provided versatility, with modes for FWD, AWD, Off-Road, and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's suspension offered a smooth ride on highways and city streets, but it struggled off-road, with limited ground clearance and grip. The Terrain's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg, which was achieved during testing.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. It was technically a seven-passenger SUV, but the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, but it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, while not as spacious as the Navigator, offered a roomy interior for a compact crossover. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and foot room, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items. Despite some shortcomings in storage solutions, the Terrain's interior was practical and comfortable.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer systems. While the infotainment system was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford models, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, with remote app functions included for five years. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain's Tech Package included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting were practical features, enhancing the Terrain's overall technology offering.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain.