2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator impressed 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 appeal, offering ample display space. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with trim levels including Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, starting at $78,405. The Black Label model, tested in the Central Park theme, featured a green interior and second-row captain's chairs, with a total price of $106,530.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a conservative exterior styling compared to other Hyundai models, with a wide upper and lower grille and thin LED headlights as distinctive elements. The five-passenger SUV was available in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The Calligraphy AWD trim, tested in Stormy Sea paint with a black interior, had a base price of $42,600, with AWD and additional features bringing the total to $45,845. The interior, while high-quality, was dark and monotone, with Nappa leather seats providing comfort. Heated and cooled front seats were standard in the Calligraphy, with second-row seat heaters. The Santa Fe's performance was enhanced by a turbocharged engine in higher trims, offering brisk acceleration and smooth handling.

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. It offered RWD or 4WD, with a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, and a new electronic brake booster enhanced brake response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions well, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was estimated at 18 mpg combined, with the test drive averaging 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a 2.5-liter engine, with naturally aspirated and turbocharged options. The turbocharged engine in the Limited and Calligraphy trims delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD optional, and a drive-mode selector provided four customizable modes. The turbocharged Santa Fe offered significant performance improvements, with immediate acceleration and smooth handling. Towing capacity was 2,000 pounds for non-turbo models and 3,500 pounds for turbo models, with trailer brakes required for maximum capacity.

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, with an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided ample rear-seat legroom at 41.7 inches and competitive cargo space of 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded storage to 72.1 cubic feet, with additional underfloor storage. The SEL and higher trims featured an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats, with dual-zone climate control and a hands-free smart liftgate. The Calligraphy trim added luxury features like a head-up display and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof was a highlight, though some drivers found the seating position and center console design slightly restrictive.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen with dual data panels, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system offered extensive customization options, with a user-friendly interface and improved voice recognition. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a 4.2-inch display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital cluster in higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display in the base trim and a 10.25-inch touchscreen in others, with navigation, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the system offered extensive customization, voice recognition had mixed results, particularly in noisy environments.

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 standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but highlighted the need for driver vigilance.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Highway Driving Assist was standard on SEL and above, enhancing adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, with high marks for crashworthiness and headlight performance.