2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

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 reduced the SUV's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted 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 appeal. The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance, featured a redesigned exterior that maintained the RX's signature look but with a more aggressive stance for the F Sport model. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance with fewer physical controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its 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 rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and had a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster enhanced its ride quality and braking performance. The SUV averaged 18.6 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA's combined rating of 18 mpg. The 2023 Lexus RX 350h featured a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. It was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving, though testing showed 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it averaged only 20.9 mpg, below its estimated 27 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system provided a more engaging driving experience.

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 ample space and comfort. The Navigator's 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 Lexus RX 350h Luxury trim provided ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, heating, and ventilation, along with a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard leather. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the back seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced 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 and featured a voice recognition system that performed well in most tests. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality. The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, which required activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation system, Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The head-up display and dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel added to the tech experience, though some usability issues were noted. The RX also offered a new Traffic Jam Assist system and Advanced Park semi-autonomous parking technology.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required constant driver attention. The Navigator also featured a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience. The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included new features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained safe following distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking, was also included. The RX offered a new Traffic Jam Assist system and Advanced Park semi-autonomous parking technology, though some features had usability issues.