2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling changes that kept its luxurious aura intact while introducing some fresh elements. The Navigator debuted new headlights and taillights, updated wheel designs including a standard 20-inch design, and an improved Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end of the vehicle was restyled with an Audi-esque grille reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4 but embellished with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing. However, the new grille design did not resonate well, as it seemed to detract from the elegance and presence the Navigator previously flaunted.

Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a design reminiscent of mid-century modern aesthetics. The Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, inspired by a starlit sky at twilight, adorned all of the Navigator’s displays, including the head-up display (HUD) and rear-seat entertainment screens. The new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a significantly larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, which kept the Navigator competitive in the screen-size race.

The 2022 Navigator came in standard and long-wheelbase styles and was available in Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The starting MSRP was $78,405, including the destination charge. Our evaluation of the Navigator Black Label in its new Central Park theme painted Manhattan Green revealed an interior with matching green upholstery, second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs divided by a large console. The total sticker price for the test model came to $106,530, including the destination charge.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over much of its design from the 2022 model year, aside from the new Rock Creek trim. The SUV sported futuristic headlights with conventional internal lighting and an angular C-pillar design that bridged traditional and modern elements. Its aesthetics were built to remain relevant and stylish for years. The interior followed a modern approach with clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical.

The Pathfinder was available in S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum trims. The base S trim included 18-inch alloy wheels, manually adjustable seats, cloth upholstery, push-button start, remote keyless entry, and tri-zone automatic climate control, among other conveniences. Meanwhile, the Rock Creek trim was geared toward off-road enthusiasts with distinct styling, off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and enhanced power output from the standard V6 engine for a more rugged driving experience. The Platinum trim topped the range with upgraded leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, and additional luxury features.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). This engine produced an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Navigator to tow between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension featured new Road Preview technology, which prepared the suspension for bumps, cracks, and potholes identified ahead on the road. Despite its heavy 22-inch wheels, the Navigator handled imperfections in the pavement effortlessly.

An electronic brake booster introduced in 2022 improved the brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator’s ability to smoothly tackle Arizona’s roads, including stretches of snow-covered terrain in Payson, showcased its robust powertrain and advanced suspension. Its four-wheel drive system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive traction settings ensured confidence on various driving surfaces. The Navigator 4WD achieved an EPA-rated fuel economy of 18 mpg in combined driving, with our testing averaging 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, with a slight bump in the Rock Creek trim to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine was coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission, directing power to either front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD), which Nissan termed 4WD. The Rock Creek trim added rugged off-road capabilities with off-road shocks, taller suspension, and all-terrain tires.

While the off-road tires provided a rougher ride on paved roads, they enhanced comfort on trails, making the Rock Creek an enticing option for adventurers. The Pathfinder’s powertrain was competent for everyday driving, but its proprietary shifter design took some getting used to. The rotary drive mode dial was user-friendly, offering multiple drive modes, including Eco, Sport, Sand, Mud/Rut, Snow, and Towing. The Pathfinder’s towing capacity varied, with the Rock Creek trim capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds, while other models could handle up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered its occupants exceptional comfort with heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. Adjusting and saving the settings to personal preferences ensured a luxurious experience throughout the drive. The second-row captain’s chairs were newly heated, ventilated, and equipped with a massaging function, adding to the comfort quotient. Third-row passengers continued to enjoy ample room and a supportive seat, a hallmark since the Navigator adopted an independent rear suspension in 2005.

Cargo space in the Navigator was generous, with the L (long-wheelbase) variant enhancing capacity significantly. Standard models provided 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 seats collapsed. The Navigator L offered 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 120.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats collapsed.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with both the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it offered 45 cubic feet, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright, which was competitive for its class but slightly less than some rivals. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for short trips with adults. Optional second-row captain’s chairs made access to the third row easy, and the cabin featured 12 cupholders and various compartments for storage.

The Rock Creek trim’s tubular roof racks were both functional and aesthetic, capable of holding up to 220 pounds. This setup allowed for convenient tie-downs without worrying about cargo security. The Pathfinder’s roof rack design did pose a challenge in snowy conditions, but thoughtful features like foldable windshield wipers addressed some weather-related concerns.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded its technology with the introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a sizable 13.2-inch touchscreen display. This new system replaced the older 10.1-inch screen, offering improved usability and modern features like navigation map and music details on dual data panels. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions remained, ensuring intuitive use. Sync 4 supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and once set up, required minimal interaction for everyday use.

Sync 4’s voice recognition was improved but occasionally fell short in specific instances, such as locating certain destinations or selecting SiriusXM channels. The over-the-air update capability held the promise of future enhancements. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, fortified with Amazon Fire TV, allowed passengers to stream content directly on the rear screens. The test vehicle’s 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional audio experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum featured a larger 9-inch touchscreen. Despite some comments about the infotainment system’s dated graphics, its intuitive layout and physical controls for common functions were a plus. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition, with additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless device charging available on higher trims.

The Pathfinder’s tech suite also included multiple USB ports across all rows, ensuring connectivity for all passengers. The Platinum trim further added a second third-row USB port, rounding out a competent, if not cutting-edge, technology offering.

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. Intersection Assist could automatically brake when unsafe intersections were detected, while Road Edge Detection helped the vehicle avoid unintended excursions off the paved road. Active Park Assist 2.0 enabled the Navigator to handle parallel and perpendicular parking autonomously, though the driver remained responsible for supervision.

ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s new semi-autonomous hands-free driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways under certain conditions. The system operated well within its limits during testing but required the driver’s constant attention and readiness to intervene, underscoring the nascent nature of semi-autonomous driving technology.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with standard driver assistance features like forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward and reverse collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added advanced features like ProPilot Assist, which included lane centering and adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and rain-sensing wipers.

Off-road modes provided additional functionality, presenting views from front and side cameras at low speeds to help avoid obstacles without needing an external spotter.