2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned lines and small details, made it stand out. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even in the base L trim, the Trailblazer managed to look good, which was quite a feat.

Buyers had five versions to choose from: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options. However, the interior, filled with hard plastic, made it hard to justify the high price.

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, though the new Audi-esque grille was less elegant than before. Despite this, the rest of the updates were successful.

Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of elegance. The Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, keeping the Navigator competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, starting at $78,405, including the $1,695 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Black Label in Central Park theme, had a total sticker price of $106,530.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. The latter made the Trailblazer feel sprightly, especially with AWD, which came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension.

The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, making it zippy and nimble. However, it was loud on freeways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-roading required caution to avoid damaging the underside. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It had a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered RWD or 4WD. Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response.

During testing, the Navigator handled various conditions, including snow and mud, with ease. The adaptive suspension and 22-inch wheels provided a smooth ride, and the SUV averaged 18.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly above the EPA rating of 18 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat was roomy but flat and uncomfortable, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage. The third-row seat was roomy and supportive. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, expandable to 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. Additional tech included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and offered a user-friendly interface. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering sensational sound quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The Navigator’s safety features aimed to enhance driver confidence and vehicle safety.