2022 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

Meanwhile, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle yet significant styling updates. New headlights and taillights were introduced, along with various new wheel designs, including a now-standard 20-inch design. Lincoln also updated the Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence and restyled the SUV’s front end. However, the new front end design, which featured an Audi-esque grille, did not match the elegance of the previous models, an area where Lincoln seemed to miss the mark slightly.

Despite this, the rest of the Navigator’s 2022 updates were successful. Inside, the SUV dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced with Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, which evoked a twilight sky with twinkling stars. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, added a modern touch. The Navigator continued to be available in standard and long-wheelbase styles with trims including Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, starting at $78,405. The evaluated Black Label model in the Central Park theme had a luxurious Manhattan Green interior, second-row captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and a total sticker price of $106,530.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator also featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. It delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, matching the high-output version of the Expedition’s engine. The Navigator’s towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. Lincoln enhanced the vehicle’s adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology, which prepared the suspension for bumps and potholes ahead. Even with the large 22-inch wheels, the Navigator handled imperfections in the road well. The new electronic brake booster improved the brake pedal feel and response, addressing past concerns of a too-soft pedal feel. The Navigator’s fuel economy for the 4WD model was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg. The Navigator effortlessly handled various driving conditions, including snowy and muddy paths, due to its advanced 4WD system, ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in providing a comfortable and spacious interior. Its available power running boards made entry and exit easy. Once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and visibility. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The center console offered extensive storage, hidden cupholders, and a concealed cubby with a wireless smartphone charging pad. Massaging front seats were available on higher trims. In the second row, heated captain’s chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with individual climate controls and overhead air vents enhancing passenger comfort. Third-row passengers enjoyed good leg support and a power recline function, though some might find the headroom a bit tight. The Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expanded to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded flat, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear seat rows down. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s interior continued to impress with its comfort and luxury. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and featured massaging 30-way power adjustments. After adjusting and saving settings via the memory function, the seats provided outstanding comfort throughout the journey. The second-row captain’s chairs received updates, offering massaging, heating, and ventilation features, along with an enhanced Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. Third-row passengers found spacious and supportive seating, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space in the Navigator was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet available behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet in the Navigator L), which expanded to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down (73.3 in the Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 in the Navigator L).

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system came with a 12-inch touchscreen and physical controls for the stereo and climate systems. Sync 4A, which was optional, featured a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen with a single physical dial for stereo volume. Both systems boasted wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice recognition, and a connected navigation system with a complimentary 90-day trial. Higher trim levels added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless smartphone charging, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The Sync 4A system offered superior, conversational voice recognition, although it faced minor quirks, such as difficulties with restarting Apple CarPlay or providing accurate navigation commands without an active phone connection. Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 with Trailer Reverse Guidance was also available to simplify trailer reversing tasks, though it was not tested.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display, replacing the previous year's smaller screen. The new system provided an intuitive interface, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It allowed users to view navigation maps and music details simultaneously on its dual-panel display. Physical controls remained for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions, making them easy to use and read. Sync 4's voice recognition performed admirably, though it occasionally struggled with specific prompts. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided quick access to popular content platforms, ensuring backseat passengers remained entertained. The test vehicle also featured the new Revel 3D 28-speaker high-end audio system, which delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Ford Expedition grouped its driving-assistance systems into three Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam headlights. Ford also equipped the Expedition with a rear-seat reminder system. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. Higher trims, like the King Ranch and Platinum, included Co-Pilot Assist 2.0, featuring a surround-view camera system, rear automatic emergency braking system, and Active Park Assist 2.0, which provided semi-autonomous parking assistance. The Expedition was also available with Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for approved highways. The adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, while the lane-centering assist faced issues with consistency and reliability, sometimes steering too close to other vehicles or canceling unexpectedly.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The Navigator also made a surround-view camera system standard. Intersection Assist automatically braked for unsafe turns, while Road Edge Detection prevented the SUV from veering off the road. Active Park Assist 2.0 provided fully autonomous parking assistance. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s hands-free driving technology, allowed for semi-autonomous driving on approved highways. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well but required constant driver vigilance, slightly increasing stress levels due to the lack of complete trust in the system. The technology needed human intervention to address potential threats and maintain safety, particularly when other vehicles strayed into the Navigator’s lane.