2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches compared to the 2021 model. The updated front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sharp body lines contrasted with lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior changes. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. New ambient lighting for the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator saw subtle styling changes, including new headlights and taillights, updated wheel designs, and a restyled front end. The new grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was a rare misstep, but the rest of the updates were successful. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a 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, digital instrumentation, and widescreen HUD kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels, starting at $78,405.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line and Limited trims had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The new Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, had more than adequate power and was a pleasure to drive, with composed handling and a quiet cabin.

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. The Navigator’s towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. Our test drive from Scottsdale to Payson demonstrated the Navigator’s effortless power and stability, even in snowy and muddy conditions. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during our test.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants, even with the optional sunroof. The N Line’s front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced limited headroom and legroom, and the small rear door openings made entry and exit challenging. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

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 offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided ample space and comfort. The Navigator’s cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim. The SEL trim and above included SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N featured a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered a Digital Key, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional listening experience. The Navigator’s physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use and well-marked.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Highway Drive Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and high ratings from the IIHS, except for a "Marginal" rating for child-seat anchors.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection provided additional safety, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking tasks. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The Navigator’s safety features contributed to a secure and confident driving experience.