2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 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 the base L trim looked good, which was quite a feat. The Trailblazer came in five trims: 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 level. Our RS trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, had a starting price of $28,195, but options raised it to $33,000. However, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, rolled into the year without significant updates since its last redesign in 2018 and refresh in 2022. Our test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. It also had the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, although it went unused by our teenage passengers. The MSRP for our test vehicle was $104,715, including a $1,695 destination charge. The interior, while upscale with real wood trim and chrome accents, had some plastic switchgear that didn't quite convey luxury. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added some character at night.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, but the larger 1.3-liter engine was preferable, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. A CVT came with both engines for FWD, while AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. Our RS trim test vehicle, with AWD, rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, making it nimble and fun to drive. However, it was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces. Our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving but averaged 15.6 mpg on our testing loop. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview was standard, but the ride quality was inconsistent. In Excite mode, the Navigator felt more controlled but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The SUV's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes on mountain roads, and its size proved a liability in tight spaces.

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 test vehicle had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat was roomy but shaped like a park bench, 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 front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easier. Our test vehicle had 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with large trays and smaller compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

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

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an available widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated the phone, making it unusable.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. 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 both the NHTSA and the IIHS.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways but required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator earned a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, a full crashworthiness assessment from the NHTSA and IIHS was not available.