2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understatement, a feat not easily achieved by a three-ton vehicle. Despite sharing its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design elements, such as its simple rectilinear shapes defining the grille, windows, and headlights. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, exuded a classy yet commanding presence. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and a taste for finer details, like the layered wood trim and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Black Label trims elevated the luxury with more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the Navigator's appeal, making it one of the few large SUVs that felt truly luxurious inside.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT's design was less about luxury and more about practicality and thoughtful design. The XRT trim, with its Portofino Gray paint and black cloth interior, offered little visual contrast, resembling an old black-and-white image. However, the interior patterns and brightwork made the cabin a pleasant place to be. The Santa Fe XRT demonstrated high quality for its price point, though it didn't match the upscale feel of the Limited or Calligraphy trims. The XRT's design was more about functionality, with features like side steps for roof rack access, though they could impede entry and exit. Overall, the Santa Fe XRT was a practical choice for those seeking a reliable and well-designed SUV without the frills of higher-end models.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size, with a satisfying intake snarl and turbo whoosh. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds for the RWD model. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not a powerhouse, the engine was adequate for everyday driving, allowing the Santa Fe to reach freeway speeds comfortably. An eight-speed automatic transmission handled shifting duties, with driving modes like Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow available. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was more favorable, averaging 22.3 mpg, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride and handling were composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation over bumps and a quiet cabin. The Santa Fe's handling, steering, and braking were satisfactory, providing a secure and controlled driving experience. While the XRT's performance was not groundbreaking, it offered a reliable and comfortable ride for daily use.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The SUV's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, thanks to large windows and a high driving position, though parking could be challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT provided a practical and comfortable interior, with dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat ensured comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample space for a family of four, with generous legroom and foot room. The Santa Fe's cargo space was adequate, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Smart Tailgate feature added convenience, though it could open unexpectedly. Overall, the Santa Fe XRT offered a functional and family-friendly interior.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to newer models. While the software was intuitive and easy to use, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 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 connectivity options. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was straightforward, with large knobs for easy adjustments and clean on-screen graphics. While the XRT lacked the upgraded infotainment system available on higher trims, it offered digital key technology and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. The Santa Fe's technology was practical and user-friendly, with thoughtful features enhancing the driving experience.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense collection. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe also featured Junction Turning Detection, Safe Exit Assist, and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with a four-star rollover resistance score.