2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several updates, including exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the vehicle featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear was updated with revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum, with both standard and extended-length body styles. Prices ranged from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000. A new Timberline trim was introduced for off-road enthusiasts, offering features like standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, and off-roading tech for around $72,500. The Stealth Edition packages, available with the Limited trim, added black 22-inch wheels and distinctive exterior trim. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The test model, priced at $80,155, included options like 4WD, extra-cost paint, and the Stealth Package. Despite its high price, the Expedition Limited Stealth Edition offered impressive tech and comfort, compensating for its less luxurious plastic trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while awaiting an electric transformation, continued with its fourth-generation design without significant updates. The test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The Navigator's interior was predominantly black, with real wood trim and chrome accents. The Reserve I package added ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's upscale feel. The Navigator Reserve's cabin was luxurious, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall impression. The test vehicle included a Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, which went unused by the teenagers in the back. The MSRP for the test vehicle was $104,715, including a destination charge. Despite its size, the Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, thanks to excellent visibility and impressive grip from the large wheels and tires. However, the steering was slow, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the test vehicle. With 93-octane fuel, it could achieve 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Stealth Edition Performance Package could boost output to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD as an option. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's power was addictive, though it guzzled fuel, with an observed economy of 16.2 mpg. The SUV's ride quality was sometimes harsh due to the 22-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension. However, it was easy to park and excelled on highways, offering a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 15.6 mpg. The Navigator offered five drive modes, with an adaptive damping suspension standard. The ride quality was inconsistent, with the SUV feeling like a truck over smaller bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent visibility and impressive grip. However, the steering was slow, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort and ease of access, thanks to available power running boards. The interior was spacious, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom, though toe room was tight. The third-row seat was easy to access and offered good leg support, though headroom was limited. Cargo space behind the third row was 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit. The test vehicle featured 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third row. Storage space was generous, with various trays and covers to maintain a clean look. The extended-length Navigator L model offered 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 Ford Expedition featured Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Bang & Olufsen sound systems available. Sync 4A had an upgraded voice-recognition system and an adaptive dashcard user interface. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 was available for easier trailer reversing.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant was excellent, understanding commands accurately. The test vehicle had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. Lincoln Play installed two touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though they went unused by the teenagers in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and intersection assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was available, though the lane-centering assist was sometimes unreliable.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. The test vehicle included features like Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on designated highways but struggled with curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.