2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its jutting spindle grille, but it also featured simplified and refined styling details. The new block lettering on the tailgate was a design element set to proliferate across the Lexus lineup. The 2022 NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner. The interior design aimed for a minimalist look, but the heavy reliance on the 14-inch touchscreen for many functions could be confusing. Physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high, though some elements like the turn signal felt inexpensive.

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, 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 the Navigator's elegance and presence. Despite this, the rest of the updates were successful, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal.

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 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 Black Label trim in the new 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.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX was a dynamic improvement over the previous model, though the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. Handling impressed, but the F Sport better isolated impacts from road imperfections. The NX was not suitable for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

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 available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview identified and prepared for road imperfections, providing a smooth ride even with 22-inch wheels. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response.

During testing, the Navigator effortlessly climbed past the snow line in Payson, Arizona, and handled snow and mud conditions with ease, thanks to 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator 4WD was expected to return 18 mpg in combined driving, with observed fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during the test drive.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats, and thoughtful padding on the driver’s door panel and center console added comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the 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 comfortable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, with the Navigator’s independent rear suspension design contributing to comfort. Storage space was generous, 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 folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant advancements in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

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. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition that performed well. 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, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) with advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. Standard safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

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 newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake for unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well on straight, dry, sunny stretches but required driver attention for potential threats.