2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a significant departure from its predecessors, which often felt like dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design touches and a luxurious interior that justified its $92,000 MSRP. The exterior design emphasized elegance and understatement, featuring rectilinear shapes, body-color grilles, and subtle chrome accents. The Pristine White model tested in winter conditions across Connecticut and Massachusetts showcased its sophisticated design with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle highlighted the attention to detail, from the layered wood trim behind the 10-inch touchscreen to the floating center console with chromed switches. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided exceptional comfort, making the Navigator one of the most refined large SUVs available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes' SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The 2022 model introduced new features like satellite radio in the Premium Package and the AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges. Prices started at $38,600 for the GLB250, with the AMG GLB35 starting at $51,000.

The test vehicle, an AMG GLB35, came with options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, and an AMG Performance steering wheel, bringing the total to $57,250. The GLB's design was polarizing, with a steep windshield angle, vertical rear window, and short overhangs. However, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels added style and presence. The interior, true to Mercedes tradition, featured high-definition instrumentation, artistic air vents with ambient lighting, and a user-friendly MBUX infotainment system.

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, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and the towing capacity was impressive at 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 provided a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering was looser, and the brakes felt soft, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined highway cruiser. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with quick reaction times and rev-matched downshifts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered two versions of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the GLB250. The AMG GLB35 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined.

The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with an AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension. However, the ride was firm, and the DCT could feel confused in urban settings. The GLB250 was better suited for daily driving, but the AMG GLB35 excelled on twisty roads, offering excellent grip and responsive handling.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, with seating for six adults and a total cargo capacity of 103 cubic feet. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second-row captain's chairs could be replaced with a bench for eight-passenger seating. The Navigator L model provided even more cargo space, with 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet of storage behind the third, second, and first rows, respectively. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading and unloading.

The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with separate thigh extensions, bolsters, and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for urbanites needing a roomy but small SUV. It offered an optional third-row seat for children, dual-zone automatic climate control, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The standard MB-Tex upholstery could be upgraded to real leather, and options included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The GLB's rear doors opened wide, providing comfortable seating for two adults in the second row. The optional third-row seat reduced cargo space, making it less practical for U.S. buyers. The power rear liftgate revealed a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt dated compared to newer models like the Cadillac Escalade. The 10-inch touchscreen was small, and the instrument panel lacked advanced features like full-screen maps. The cameras were low-resolution, and the infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, along with Roku media streaming for rear entertainment.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen in the AMG GLB35. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium audio system, WiFi service, and gesture control.

MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple control methods, including the touchscreen, center console controls, and steering wheel buttons. The navigation system's augmented reality technology was particularly impressive, especially in densely populated areas.

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. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included 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 competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. The GLB also had rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.