2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when unveiled, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, especially with its elongated profile and distinctive grille. The Venza was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered in seven paint colors, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED lighting, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with upgrades available in higher trims. The Venza Limited, for instance, boasted a digital rearview mirror and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with the option for a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end. While the new grille drew mixed reviews, the rest of the updates were well-received. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its quality materials and mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation display theme. The SUV also introduced a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen with the Sync 4 infotainment system, enhancing its technological appeal. The Navigator was available in Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with the Black Label offering luxurious features like heated, ventilated, and massaging second-row captain’s chairs.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling. Its electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT) allowed for a sequential-shifting feature, enhancing regenerative braking. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, 37 mpg in the city, and 39 mpg combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Its towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The SUV's new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg, slightly above the EPA's combined estimate of 18 mpg for the 4WD model.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design, distinct from typical Toyota or Lexus models. The center stack featured premium appointments, including capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls. The Venza provided comfortable seating for five, with ample headroom and a spacious feel. However, its cargo space was limited to 55.1 cubic feet, less than competitors like the Murano and Passport. Despite this, the Venza's cargo area was practical for daily use, with easy-to-use quick-flip releases on the rear seatbacks.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in comfort and space, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet available with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more room, making it ideal for families with large cargo needs.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE and XLE trims and a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited. While the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, it was not the most user-friendly. The Venza also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and various connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Dynamic navigation was available on models with the larger screen, providing cloud-based route guidance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air update capabilities. The Navigator also featured the upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, allowing access to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. The test vehicle included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included a pre-collision warning system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with an upgrade available for automatic braking. The Venza's safety systems performed well, though the lane-keeping assist tended to keep the vehicle slightly to the right within the lane.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The latter was Lincoln's semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, approved for use on 130,000 miles of North American roads. While ActiveGlide performed well during testing, it required constant driver attention. The Navigator also featured a surround-view camera system, enhancing its safety credentials.