2023 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 new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sporty new body lines were complemented by 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was all black, save for real wood trim panels and chrome accents. Ambient lighting from the Reserve I package added contrast and character at night. The Navigator Reserve’s cabin looked upscale and used quality materials, although some chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury. The test vehicle also included the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV streaming capability, although it went largely unused by teenage passengers.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N Line and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Kona N, new for 2022, 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. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and AWD, provided more than adequate power and was a pleasure to drive, with composed handling and a quiet cabin.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving but averaged 15.6 mpg on a Southern California testing loop. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The Navigator’s ride quality was inconsistent, with the adaptive damping suspension failing to smooth out smaller bumps and cracks. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, thanks to excellent outward visibility and impressive grip from the big wheels and wide tires. However, the steering was slow and lifeless, and the nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes. In city settings, the Navigator’s size proved a liability, making parking and navigating tight spaces difficult.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its small size, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The N Line’s front seats held occupants in place during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings, limited headroom due to the sloping roof, and compromised legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Towing was not recommended.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for additional cargo space. Power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easier. The test vehicle featured Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, which accommodated taller and larger adults comfortably. Storage space was generous throughout the cabin, and the Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space. The standard Navigator provided 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet behind the front seats. The Navigator L increased these figures to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech for the 2022 model year. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N trims came with a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system was optional on the N Line and standard on the Limited and Kona N. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen only supported wired versions. The Kona also offered Digital Key, supported via a dedicated smartphone app. The N Line and above trims featured a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging was standard on the N Line and above. Hyundai Blue Link provided a suite of connected services, complimentary for three years.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an available widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant proved excellent, easily understanding and responding to commands. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing lush sound. Through the Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology, owners could unlock, start, and drive the Navigator using a digital key. The Lincoln Play system installed two touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, although they went largely unused by teenagers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with a basic driver aid menu, 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 NHTSA gave the Kona five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS awarded it the highest-possible "Good" ratings in all six crashworthiness tests. The Kona’s forward collision-avoidance system received a "Superior" rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash protection and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crashes. However, the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with a long list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) bundled in the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. The test vehicle included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise worked on approximately 130,000 miles of North American highways but struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator responded to sudden lane changes by other motorists with excessive braking, causing suspension dive and instability. The NHTSA gave the Navigator a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating.