2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had a distinct presence, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and luxurious interior set it apart. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents, making it a standout in any setting. The interior was equally impressive, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials, including layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather, making the Navigator a top contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's flagship SUV, replaced the Santa Fe XL and brought a fresh, elegant design to the lineup. Its exterior featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, giving it a striking profile. The interior was equally polished, with high-quality materials and finishes throughout. The Palisade offered spacious seating for up to eight passengers, with comfortable captain's chairs in the second row and a roomy third row. The cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The Palisade's interior design and functionality made it a strong competitor in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with sprightly performance and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and its towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens and fitting 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 handling and ride quality, the Navigator's power and highway refinement were notable strengths.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a balance of power and efficiency. The Palisade's fuel economy was respectable, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined for AWD models. The Palisade's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, making it a versatile choice for families. The Palisade's performance was well-suited for everyday driving, with a smooth ride and responsive handling.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers and generous cargo capacity. The boxy design provided 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively. The Navigator's second-row seats were heated and featured a three-zone climate control system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous settings for optimal support. However, the Navigator's large size made parking challenging, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality, with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The third row was easily accessible and provided ample space for adults on short trips. The second-row captain's chairs were particularly comfortable, and the front row offered extensive storage options. The Palisade's cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The Palisade's interior design was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a compact shift-by-wire gear selector. The dual-panel sunroof on higher trims enhanced the cabin's ambiance, making the Palisade a practical and comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while functional, felt outdated compared to newer systems. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, and the voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Despite its shortcomings, the Navigator's technology was user-friendly and effective.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess, with a range of advanced features. The standard display audio system on lower trims used an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while higher trims featured a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system. The Palisade's technology was comprehensive and user-friendly, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator offered standard safety features such as 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 Hyundai Palisade earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Palisade's comprehensive safety features included seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. Higher trims offered additional features such as Highway Driving Assist and ultrasonic rear occupant alert. The Palisade's extensive safety features and top ratings made it a reliable choice for families.