2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and additional paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. The A-Spec Advance package, priced at $53,645, offered high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, though some design elements like the vertical air inlets were less appealing.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, wheel designs, and a restyled front end. The Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence was also updated. However, the new front grille design, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was less elegant than before. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The Navigator lineup included Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with prices starting at $78,405, including a $1,695 destination charge. The Black Label trim, priced at $106,530, offered luxurious features like heated, ventilated, and massaging second-row captain's chairs.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided an enjoyable driving experience, though fuel economy was lower than the EPA rating of 23 mpg, averaging 20.6 mpg during testing. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The RDX also featured an updated Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and re-tuned adaptive-damping suspension for improved ride comfort and responsiveness.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust performance and a pleasing exhaust note. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, offered a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 18 mpg for the 4WD model. The Navigator's performance in snow and mud was impressive, thanks to its 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty design with a prominent IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. However, the control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, required a learning curve. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating. The rear seats, though less comfortable, provided a flat load floor when folded. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior was exceptionally comfortable, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated, ventilated, and massaging, provided a luxurious experience. The third-row seats were spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L providing even more room. Cargo capacity ranged from 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, with the Navigator L offering up to 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The system required a learning curve, as it introduced a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, while higher trims featured a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface. The Navigator also included physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system, though not perfect, was improved from the previous year. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were reasonably refined but not as sophisticated as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The surround-view camera system was newly standard. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well but required the driver to remain attentive. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving but still required human oversight.