2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

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 its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator maintained its luxurious appeal with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design inside. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch to the interior, enhancing the overall ambiance. 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, while the SUV continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 Premium trim, embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents. This special edition added a nostalgic touch to the 4Runner's rugged design, appealing to those with a fondness for 1970s style. The 4Runner maintained its truck-based SUV stance, offering a purposeful interior with solid materials and easy-to-use controls. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design retained an enduring appeal, especially for those who appreciated its off-road capabilities and classic SUV look.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered both rear-wheel drive and 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 enhanced ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, addressing previous concerns. During testing, the Navigator demonstrated its prowess in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered both rear-wheel drive and two four-wheel drive systems, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Various trims offered additional off-roading technologies, such as locking differentials and Crawl Control. During testing, the 4Runner handled off-road conditions with ease, but its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering. The 4Runner averaged 16.9 mpg in combined driving.

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 provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive, making it a standout feature in its class. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. While the 4Runner's seats were comfortable, the SofTex artificial leather in the 40 ASE test vehicle lacked the luxury of real leather. The second-row offered ample legroom and comfort, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The 4Runner's cargo area was versatile, with several storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and user-friendliness. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well, though not flawlessly. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, equipped with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with available connected services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system's voice recognition performed well, though it lacked some modern features. The 4Runner offered a JBL premium sound system as an upgrade, but both audio systems were bass-heavy and required adjustments for optimal sound quality.

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, performed well within its operational limits but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but highlighted the need for human oversight.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering essential safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance.