2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, 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 high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by 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 tech-savvy appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, despite initial skepticism about its Mustang styling cues on a five-door crossover SUV, proved to be a smart move. The Mach-E's design, featuring galloping horse emblems, scowling headlights, bold rear fender haunches, and tri-bar taillights, contributed to its popularity. The Mach-E GT, in particular, stood out with its distinctive look, including revised bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, a stylish tiered center console, and a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim paired with two rectangular display screens.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options. Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with standard-range and extended-range battery packs and single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD configurations. Power output varied from 266 to 480 horsepower, with torque ranging from 317 to 634 pound-feet. The Mach-E GT, with its extended-range battery and AWD, delivered 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The GT Performance Edition package increased torque to 634 lb-ft and reduced the range to 260 miles, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Mach-E GT featured Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with the GT-exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. The ride quality was firm, but the overall driving dynamics were impressive, with the trip computer showing an efficiency of 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior was a haven of comfort, with heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seats offered roomy accommodations, making the Navigator a great choice for large families. 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 space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its crossover SUV configuration, provided seating for up to five people and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk (frunk). The Mach-E GT featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather with black Miko synthetic suede inserts. The rear seats were snug but supportive, with enough space for three kids or two additional adults. The panoramic glass roof added to the airy environment. Cargo space behind the back seat was 29.7 cubic feet, expanding to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The frunk offered an additional 4.7 cubic feet of space, designed to get dirty and easy to clean with a drain plug.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well, though not perfectly. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and a comprehensive trip computer. The Mach-E also had a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display. The Phone As A Key technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle's key, adding convenience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required constant driver attention, which could increase stress.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology and the latest version of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change function, predictive speed assist, and lane repositioning. While BlueCruise performed well, it required constant monitoring, which could be a nuisance. The Mach-E received top safety ratings from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022. However, NHTSA had not finalized crash-test ratings for the 2023 model.