2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured a design that balanced between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional aesthetics of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It incorporated Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights. However, this combination resulted in a somewhat awkward appearance due to the XT5’s compact size and tall profile. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated front end. The new grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was a rare misstep, but the rest of the updates were successful. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, along with the digital instrumentation and widescreen HUD, kept the Navigator competitive in the tech department. The Black Label trim, with its luxurious Central Park theme, added to the overall appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which offered a comfortable ride and excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, providing a nimble feel without being overly sensitive. The cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator’s towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator’s fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but less than the BMW X3. It also provided more legroom in both rows, although the seats could have been more comfortable. The XT5 boasted 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing its German rivals. However, the Infiniti QX50 offered even more cargo capacity. The XT5’s interior included a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen, but the center console lacked sufficient space due to the rotary controller and shifter.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, making long trips comfortable. The third-row seats provided ample space and support, continuing Lincoln’s tradition of offering a habitable third row. The Navigator’s cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display. While the infotainment system was easy to navigate, it lacked the sophistication and larger screens offered by other luxury brands. The array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, were not ideally placed and lacked physical feedback. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5’s quiet interior.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system included physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions, which were easy to read and use. Sync 4’s voice recognition system was improved but not perfect, with some issues in finding specific locations and switching radio stations. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered sensational sound quality.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. The Technology Package included rear pedestrian alert, a surround-vision camera system, night vision, and automatic parking assist. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

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 during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took complete control of the SUV for parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The Navigator’s surround-view camera system was newly standard. ActiveGlide performed well during testing but required the driver to remain attentive.