2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a dream for those who loved black-on-black vehicles, despite the challenge of keeping them clean. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, transforming it into a sleek, dark presence on the road. However, it took less than a day for a layer of dust to make the Lexus look old and shabby. The GX’s design, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002, felt dated despite the signature Lexus spindle grille and modern LED headlights. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

In contrast, 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 a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, also predominantly black, included real wood trim panels and chrome accents, with ambient lighting adding character at night. The Navigator’s cabin was upscale, using quality materials, though some chrome plastic switchgear failed to convey luxury. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, despite its Amazon Fire TV streaming capability, went unused by teenagers who preferred their iPhones.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its high drag coefficient of 0.35 and a combined fuel economy rating of 16 mpg, the GX returned 16.8 mpg during testing. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced the GX’s stability and off-road capability, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience. The Off-Road Package, available with the Luxury trim, added features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for serious off-roading.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an additional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, though standard, failed to provide a smooth ride in Normal mode but improved significantly in Excite mode. The Navigator’s nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable in various environments, though the slow steering required extra effort. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult, and the third-row seat was cramped and close to the cargo door. The GX’s cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third-row seat, which accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was ample, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. 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 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and a WiFi hotspot. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The dual-screen view on the infotainment display allowed simultaneous viewing of the navigation map and radio display, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. Standard Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras enhanced the GX’s technology offerings.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound quality, and the Lincoln Way app allowed for digital key functionality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated the phone, making it unusable. The Lincoln Play system, though impressive, was ignored by teenagers in favor of their smartphones.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on its standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, the GX lacked more advanced safety technologies like lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving systems, which might be a drawback for some buyers.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated highways. BlueCruise, though innovative, struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.