2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lexus RX

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 that some felt diminished the SUV's 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 interior, 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 Lexus RX presented a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. The design changes, including a reduced rear overhang and softer lines, gave it a smaller appearance. The signature spindle-style grille was better integrated, and the RX featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The interior was modernized with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX's cabin offered high-quality materials, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede, ensuring a step up from the smaller NX model. The RX was available in various trims, including hybrid options, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, and the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled various driving conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. 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 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim provided a more secure ride with its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg combined. Real-world testing showed slightly lower results, with 22.5 mpg for the FWD model and 21.8 mpg for the AWD version.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs also featured these functions, providing a luxurious experience for passengers. The third-row seat was spacious and comfortable, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package offering sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery and ten-way power-adjustable front seats, while the F Sport Handling trim had NuLuxe simulated leather and eight-way power-adjustable seats. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system allowed for personalized settings and profiles, while the voice recognition system showed improvement over the previous version. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system responded quickly, though it occasionally provided unrelated results. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music were accessible. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system required some adjustment for optimal sound quality. The RX also offered digital instrumentation, a digital rearview mirror, and a color head-up display.

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, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though it required constant driver attention. The system performed well within its limits but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 impressed during testing, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective. The driver monitoring system ensured attention, but certain conditions, like wearing polarized sunglasses, could hinder visibility of the head-up display.