2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a significant departure from its predecessors, which closely resembled Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents, making it an elegant yet imposing presence on the road. 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 one of the most refined large SUVs available.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, built on a new platform, showcased Hyundai's latest design language with a parametric grille that integrated LED daytime running lights and Bi-LED headlights. The side profile borrowed styling cues from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. The rear of the Tucson had distinctive toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with higher trims offering premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats and available leather-trimmed seats on higher trims. The cabin's horizontal lines and uncluttered design gave it a spacious feel, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with a sprightly performance despite its size. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and it boasted a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. 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 offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking feel, the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and powerful SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain made the Tucson more enjoyable to drive, especially during elevation changes. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in terms of power. The Tucson's fuel economy was also impressive, with the hybrid models achieving up to 38 mpg combined. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power and efficiency, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque. The Tucson's AWD system performed well in off-road conditions, making it a versatile choice for various driving scenarios.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, comparable to a small bedroom. It could comfortably accommodate six adults, with an optional bench seat in the second row increasing the capacity to eight passengers. The boxy shape of the Navigator provided 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 offered even more storage capacity. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. However, the second-row seats lacked some features found in competitors, such as electric reclining and cooling. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position provided excellent visibility, but parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, despite being a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior that rivaled its competitors. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area that was comparable to other compact SUVs. The rear seats offered more legroom than the Toyota RAV4, and the cabin had ample space for a family of four. The Tucson's interior featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat were also available. The cabin's design, with horizontal lines and an uncluttered aesthetic, contributed to a sense of spaciousness and comfort.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to the advanced displays in newer competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's infotainment system was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford vehicles, but it lacked wireless 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, along with remote app functions and SiriusXM traffic data. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. While the Navigator's technology was functional, it lacked the cutting-edge features found in some luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, although it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tucson's infotainment system was embedded within a larger head unit that included climate control and media functionality, with touchpoints that could be challenging to use while driving. The Tucson also featured a fully digital instrument cluster on higher trims, along with additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Tucson's tech offerings were competitive for its segment, providing a good balance of functionality and modern features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating 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. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a unique safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Administration. However, it came equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense Safety Feature suite, which included standard features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additional available safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Tucson's comprehensive safety features were comparable to those found in luxury SUVs. Hyundai also offered a strong warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.