2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a significant departure from its predecessors, which closely resembled the Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a bespoke turn signal stalk. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, exuded luxury and sophistication, convincing even those accustomed to high-end brands like Mercedes and Range Rover of its worth. Its exterior design, characterized by simple rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, achieved an elegant and understated look despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to finer details. The Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle showcased layered wood trim, a floating center console with chromed switches, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the panel gaps were tight. The Black Label trims elevated the luxury further with more 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, rivaling even the more expensive Range Rover.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered a range of trim levels from base to Luxury, with prices starting at $37,950. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of this review. The NX's design, featuring the signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate, was unmistakably Lexus. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior, especially in the F Sport trim, featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The minimalist dashboard design, a departure from the previous model's button-heavy layout, aimed for simplicity but sometimes made it challenging to locate functions quickly.

The NX 350's turbocharged 2.4-liter engine produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The F Sport trim added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the Luxury trim offered a softer ride. The NX 350's fuel economy was estimated at 25 mpg combined, with observed figures of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. Despite some road and wind noise, the NX's handling and performance were notable improvements over the previous model.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful 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 impressive acceleration and responsiveness, making the Navigator feel sprightly despite its size. The 4WD system was smooth and efficient, with 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, consistent with the EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes lacked the precision and control found in the Escalade, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 250, with a 2.5-liter engine, offered 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The NX 350 featured Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, while the F Sport trim added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350's acceleration to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds was credible, with observed fuel economy figures of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX's handling was impressive, with the F Sport providing a more engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, while the second row featured manually reclining and tilting captain's chairs. Cargo space was generous, 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 cargo space. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading and unloading. The Navigator Reserve included heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with a range of features including separate thigh extensions, torso bolsters, and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, with a new dashboard design creating a cozy and intimate feel. The front seats, especially in the F Sport trim, provided good bolstering and comfort, with heated and ventilated options available. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Luxury trim included a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes, adding to the vehicle's comfort and appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford but with a unique Lincoln skin. It included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections. However, the Navigator lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. Overall, the technology was functional but felt dated compared to competitors.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant advancements in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. Over-the-air software updates kept the system up to date. The NX also offered a 10-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, enhancing the user experience. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and various connected services. However, the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and there was no tuning knob.

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 lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but did not offer the same level of self-steering and lane tracking as competitors.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which featured advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and rear pedestrian detection. Premium trim added an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.