2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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 that some felt lacked the previous model's elegance. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's high-tech feel.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as flashy as some competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The gold Bowtie emblem's appearance varied with different paint colors, looking particularly good on Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with both FWD and AWD options. The interior, though not as modern as some rivals, was practical and user-friendly, with a simple PRNDL shift lever and ample passenger space. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered robust performance and a pleasing note under acceleration. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator's 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and various driving modes made it capable in snow and mud. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the 4WD model was 18 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Despite the slight increase in horsepower for 2023, the Equinox's acceleration was modest, particularly at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, while reliable, held gears longer than newer transmissions, contributing to engine noise. The AWD system required manual engagement but retained the setting after restarting the vehicle. The new electronically assisted brake-by-wire system provided smooth braking, and the well-sorted suspension handled bumps and potholes effectively. The Equinox's steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

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, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's independent rear suspension contributed to its comfort. 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 long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which was competitive within its class. However, folding the rear seats down revealed only 63.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, less than many rivals. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, plenty of cup holders, and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, adding to the vehicle's convenience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, replacing the previous 10.1-inch screen. The new system was user-friendly, with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and offered a voice recognition system that performed well in most situations. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offering included a 7-inch touchscreen in the LS, LT, and RS trims, and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was crisp, clear, and easy to use. The infotainment system responded quickly and offered good voice recognition software. All trim levels included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The Premier trim came with a wireless charging pad and an upgraded driver-information display, providing useful features like music, navigation, and trip computer 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 was also newly standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection aimed to enhance safety, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required the driver to remain attentive.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with a suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure assistance, and automatic high beams. While it lacked genuine level two autonomous driving technology, the Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it scored poorly in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.