2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was crafted with growing families in mind, offering utility and a touch of style to boot. The iconic sliding side doors saved parents countless backaches when loading toddlers and their hefty car seats in tight parking spots. Additionally, this minivan’s third-row seat provided genuine comfort, easily accommodating grandparents or additional kids without the squished feel typically associated with crossover SUVs. The rear liftgate equipped with a deep cargo well prevented gear from spilling out, a welcome change for many parents.

In terms of cargo space, the Odyssey excelled. With the third-row seat folded down, it matched a Chevrolet Suburban's cargo capacity, making it an asset for family road trips and transport duties. Despite adhering to the classic minivan design, the Odyssey stood out due to its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels and the sleek kinked sliding doors that hid the tracks beneath rear windows. The range-topping Elite trim offered a dash of sophistication with leather upholstery and advanced features.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle yet notable styling changes. New headlights, taillights, and a fresh wheel design marked its updated look. A revamped front end with an Audi-like grille, although somewhat controversial, aimed to enhance its modern appeal. The updated Lincoln Embrace went beyond aesthetics, adding to Navigator’s sense of luxury.

Stepping inside, passengers were greeted by a mid-century modern design aesthetic, enhanced by Lincoln's new Constellation display theme and a larger 13.2-inch Sync 4 touchscreen system. The Navigator’s Manhattan Green Black Label trim, featuring a matching green interior, demonstrated a commitment to both style and comfort. The sumptuous materials and premium technology redefined the intersection of luxury and utility.

Each 2022 Honda Odyssey came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with push-button controls, this minivan was optimized for front-wheel-drive. The absence of an all-wheel-drive or hybrid option was a notable drawback compared to competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica. Despite this, the Odyssey managed an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. Our test drive in Southern California averaged a respectable 22.6 mpg. However, a noticeable issue arose with brake overheating when navigating steep descents, showcasing the need for stronger braking performance in heavily loaded scenarios.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator wielded a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the Navigator was equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SUV radiated power, towing capabilities ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, facilitated by features such as Trailer Reverse Guidance. Additionally, the adaptable suspension with Road Preview allowed for a smooth ride regardless of pavement imperfections. Our drive from Scottsdale to Payson, encountering snow and mud along the way, averaged an 18.6 mpg fuel economy, slightly surpassing the EPA’s estimate.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey emphasized ease of access. Its lower stature and wide-opening doors ensured hassle-free entry. Interior amenities included leather seats, a tri-zone climate control system, and the useful Magic Slide second-row seats, which enabled versatile configurations for easy access and better protection in side-impact collisions. The third-row seat comfortably accommodated adults for long rides, a significant advantage over many crossovers.

In term of storage, the Odyssey was a marvel. Behind its third row, it offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Removing the second-row seats unlocked a cavernous 144.9 cubic feet. Yet, the heavy seats posed a challenge for removal and reinstallation.

On the other hand, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s interior exuded luxury. Heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats epitomized comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs now featured massaging functions, enhancing passenger experience, especially during long trips. Third-row passengers enjoyed generously sized seats with ample legroom, courtesy of the independent rear suspension.

Storage and cargo capacity were impressive in the Navigator. With 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet when folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet, it balanced luxury and practicality. The long-wheelbase Navigator L variant offered even more space, ensuring that families with greater cargo needs were well accommodated.

For the 2022 Honda Odyssey, the range-topping Elite trim included various tech features, yet the overall infotainment system lagged behind competitors. An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard from the EX trim upwards. Touring and Elite trims included CabinWatch and CabinTalk features, a popular choice among parents for managing rear-seat activities. The rear-seat entertainment system, however, was outdated, featuring a sole 10.2-inch screen that played CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs. Honda’s native navigation system also required an upgrade for better user compatibility.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator addressed previous technology shortfalls with its revamped Sync 4 system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. This new setup offered contemporary functionalities comparable to high-end rivals, supplemented by useful physical controls for volume and climate. Sync 4’s voice recognition was significantly improved, although not flawless. New offerings, such as Amazon Fire TV in the rear-seat entertainment system, enriched the in-car media experience. Additionally, the 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system provided a sensational auditory experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was well-equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system exhibited some flaws, such as over-sensitive responses to road conditions and delayed blind-spot monitoring warnings. Despite these critiques, the Odyssey excelled in safety ratings, achieving a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

Adding new safety features for 2022, the Lincoln Navigator integrated Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Although not all features were experienced firsthand, Active Park Assist 2.0 and ActiveGlide (Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology) demonstrated significant capabilities. ActiveGlide excelled on open highways but required constant vigilance. Overall, these advanced safety systems marked a step forward in autonomous driving while emphasizing the necessity of driver engagement.