2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of eight models, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and for 2022, the Explorer ST-Line was introduced, adding a sporty look to the popular XLT version. The test vehicle, an Explorer King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880, including the destination charge. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. However, its rear-drive platform allowed for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering ample display acreage. The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, starting at $78,405, including the $1,695 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Navigator Black Label in Central Park theme, featured a green interior with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs, and a total sticker price of $106,530, including the destination charge.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, making a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard in ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic, RWD or 4WD, and could tow up to 5,600 lbs, with a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer felt robust and athletic, with a comfortable ride and off-road capability, especially in the Timberline model with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD. The Navigator’s towing capacity ranged between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview identified bumps and prepared the suspension accordingly. The Navigator’s 22-inch wheels handled imperfect pavement well, and the new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator effortlessly climbed past the snow line in Payson, Arizona, and handled snow and mud with ease due to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving mode. The Navigator 4WD averaged 18.6 mpg in combined driving during the test.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

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 featured heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and the third-row seat offered roomy accommodations. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded (73.3 in Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats collapsed (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system had limitations, particularly with voice recognition. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, with an available rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The Navigator retained physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and allowed for extensive personalization through user profiles. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle also had a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all versions. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the previous year’s model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.

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 newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, and Road Edge Detection could steer the SUV away from the road edge. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for autonomous parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. ActiveGlide performed well within its operational limits but required the driver to remain attentive.