2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, with its 2021 redesign, adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its supersized appearance, shared with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. The Suburban offered a range of six trims, allowing for customization in grille, fascia, and wheel designs. Our RST test vehicle, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, exuded a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, with the RST trim featuring Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching. However, the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel somewhat dark, despite the chrome sill plates and red seat stitching.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while awaiting its electric transformation, continued to impress with its luxurious design. The fourth-generation Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, maintained its elegant appearance into 2023. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the Navigator's cabin was upscale, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character, but the chrome plastic on some switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel. Despite its size, the Navigator's interior offered comfort and quality materials, though the exterior's triple-black finish proved challenging to keep clean.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-liter diesel engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and towing capability. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, which included Magnetic Ride Control and dual exhaust tips. The additional power was noticeable, especially during an 80-mile tow test, where the Suburban's maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds proved beneficial.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality. However, the Navigator's ride was less than agreeable, with the Reserve trim's 22-inch wheels contributing to a truck-like ride over smaller bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but affecting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes on mountain roads, and its size proved a liability in urban settings.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, offering seating for up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most Suburbans provided seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row offering adequate headroom and legroom. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The optional power-sliding center console added storage flexibility. However, the Suburban's size made maneuvering and parking in tight spaces challenging, and the switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator prioritized functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured an array of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System, with an 8-inch touchscreen, was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on LT and above. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on higher trims. The Suburban offered a range of audio systems, with the LT featuring a nine-speaker Bose system, though it was inferior to the premium Bose CenterPoint system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator embraced technology with a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed for digital key access. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system went unused by our teenage passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added as standard features. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.