2022 Porsche Macan 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 rectilinear grille and full-width taillight assembly. 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 modern, muted design. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel, creating a refined atmosphere. The Black Label trims elevated the luxury with more textures and softer leather, while the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic look, with a sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline that communicated its performance-oriented mission. The Volcano Gray Macan S test vehicle, equipped with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, embodied Porsche's tradition of graceful aging. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a flat and wide dashboard, a large tachometer, and a center console with haptic touch controls. The red leather, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents contributed to an upscale and purposeful cabin. However, the rear seats were cramped, and the redesigned center console, while technologically advanced, required drivers to look away from the road to use the touch-sensing controls.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. The 4WD system offered smooth transitions between RWD and 4WD High, and the towing capacity was impressive, reaching up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. However, the Navigator's fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging in the teens, and its suspension and steering lacked the refinement found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Porsche Macan S, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system, allowed the Macan S to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's steering and suspension were re-tuned for improved ride and handling, and the test vehicle's optional performance upgrades, including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, enhanced its driving dynamics. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan S offered a comfortable ride for everyday driving, though the brakes required more pressure than expected to initiate a stop.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with the capacity to comfortably seat six adults. Its boxy shape contributed to 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 of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and provided excellent visibility, though parking the large vehicle could be challenging.

In comparison, the 2022 Porsche Macan prioritized driver and front-seat passenger comfort, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. The rear seats were less spacious, but the Macan's new steering wheel design and haptic touch controls on the center console added a modern touch. Cargo space was limited, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen that seemed small compared to newer models. While the software was intuitive and easy to use, the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. However, the Navigator offered features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, along with a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This system included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. While the user experience was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable than those in some competitors. Fortunately, the Macan provided easy access to frequently adjusted features, reducing the need to interact with the touchscreen while driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, though its rollover resistance rating was lower for RWD models. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control available as an option.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. While the Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, it lacked more advanced driving assistance features. However, the Macan offered optional Park Assist, which could steer the vehicle into parking spaces.