2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had a distinct elegance and understated design, a challenging feat for a three-ton truck. It shared its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition but stood apart with unique features like a body-color grille, sweeping LED running lights, and a full-width taillight assembly. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes, layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were high-quality, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a dramatic new design with sharp, angular cues and a grille that blended seamlessly with the LED headlights. The Tucson was longer and wider than its predecessor, making it unmistakable from the 2021 model. The exterior design was bold and futuristic, especially with the dark chrome finish on the Limited trim. Inside, the Tucson Hybrid offered a spacious and airy cabin with a dual-level cargo floor, ample legroom, and reclining rear seats. The Limited trim added ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's flair.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly sprightly. It offered a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the superior control and supple ride of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and electric motor, delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Tucson Hybrid felt noticeably quicker than its gas-powered counterpart. Its six-speed automatic transmission managed the power well, and the suspension provided a balanced and smooth ride. The Tucson Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 37 mpg combined, and our test saw 36.5 mpg. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even better efficiency with an 80 MPGe rating and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers and a cargo capacity of 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. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous settings and massage programs. However, the second-row seats lacked electric reclining and cooling options. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position provided excellent visibility, but parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its larger footprint, didn't look huge but offered substantial cargo space. The trunk had 38.8 cubic feet of space, expanding to 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Tucson also provided excellent legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo floor's dual-level system added versatility, and the cabin featured multiple cupholders and bottle holders. The Limited trim's ambient lighting added a touch of elegance to the interior.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to newer models with larger, more advanced displays. The infotainment system was intuitive but slow, and it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. However, 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.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, but it only utilized about 8 inches for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which required a wired connection. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were frustrating to use. However, the Tucson provided plenty of USB ports, a beautiful display, and a Bose premium stereo in the Limited trim.

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. It lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but less advanced than competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.