2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring a grille reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, which some felt reduced the Navigator's elegance. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the SUV's luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, offering a classy yet sporty appearance. Available in both regular SUV and Sportback styles, the latter featured a sloping rear roofline and a spoiler-like element for a sleek silhouette. Inside, the Q5's refined layout showed its age but remained functional with leather seating and heated front seats as standard. The 10-inch touchscreen atop the dash and good material quality kept the Q5 competitive, though it no longer felt as special compared to newer rivals. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed durable plastic elements, ensuring longevity.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), it offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. Despite its nearly three-ton curb weight, the Navigator handled various driving conditions effortlessly, averaging 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices: the base 40 TFSI with 201 horsepower, the midrange 45 TFSI with 261 horsepower, and the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid with 362 horsepower. All engines came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The 45 TFSI engine, tested in the Q5 Sportback, showed a noticeable delay in power delivery but provided adequate power once underway. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The Q5 maintained a quiet cabin, meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, making the Navigator's rear seats more comfortable than its competitors. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional. The 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen was well-placed, and traditional dials and buttons for climate controls were appreciated. Visibility was good, with ample space for taller passengers in both the front and rear seats. Storage options were varied but sometimes oddly sized. Cargo space was competitive, with 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats in the standard Q5 and 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were well-designed. The voice recognition system showed improvement, though it wasn't perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay took longer to activate. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Connect Care service allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel, providing ample information.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required constant driver attention. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving but highlighted the need for driver vigilance.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.