2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end received a restyle, 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 interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch to the cabin, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors and interior hues added to its appeal. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, offering raised suspensions and unique design elements for a more rugged look. Interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece. The Telluride's interior changes were subtle but effective, with new colors, trim changes, and a more functional center console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured embossed trim names on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. 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 improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled various terrains with ease, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was rated at 18 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing an average of 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Kia Telluride maintained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro, with the latter including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised, improving ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and the new Downhill Brake Control system enhanced off-road performance. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and improved cooling system, increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, featuring heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also provided heating, ventilation, and massage capabilities, complemented by the upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat remained spacious and comfortable, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. The SX Prestige trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats included manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. Access to the third-row seating was facilitated by a button on the second-row chairs, and the third-row seat offered better comfort than many competitors. Cargo space was ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition capabilities and over-the-air updates. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Telluride offered a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. The Full Display Mirror and head-up display added to the tech-savvy experience.

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, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its operational limits but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a junction turning system. The SUV also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with the latter adding Lane Change Assist. The Telluride's safety systems worked effectively, enhancing driver confidence on the road.