2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Porsche Macan continued to embody the brand's commitment to performance and style, maintaining its sleek and athletic design that had evolved subtly since its debut in 2015. The latest model featured a refreshed exterior with larger standard wheels and a redesigned center console inside, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The Macan S test vehicle, adorned in Volcano Gray with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuded a sporty elegance. Inside, the cabin combined red leather with gloss black and silver metallic accents, creating a luxurious yet purposeful environment. The Macan's interior drew inspiration from other Porsche models, with a left-side ignition switch, a prominent tachometer, and a flat dashboard, all contributing to its upscale and sporty feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. While the new grille design drew mixed reviews, the overall update was deemed successful. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its high-quality materials and mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The cabin offered a spacious and comfortable environment, with the Black Label test vehicle showcasing a Central Park theme with Manhattan Green paint and a matching interior. The Navigator's interior was further enhanced by the new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, providing ample display space and user-friendly controls.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, delivering 434 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Macan S, equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, generated 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans featured a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S test vehicle, with its optional performance upgrades, offered a thrilling driving experience, combining precise handling, powerful acceleration, and impressive braking performance.

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. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect roads. The Navigator excelled in various driving conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 18.6 mpg during evaluation.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable driving experience, especially for front-seat occupants. The test vehicle featured 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, though the optional Adaptive Sports Seats Plus were recommended for spirited driving. Rear-seat space was limited, but the seats were comfortable and supportive. The Macan's redesigned center console with haptic touch controls provided a modern look, though it required drivers to look away from the road to operate. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort and space, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seats offered ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's cargo capacity was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Bose or Burmester audio system. While the user experience was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable than those in competing brands. Fortunately, frequently used controls, such as stereo volume and climate settings, were accessible without using the touchscreen.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition system was improved, though not flawless, and the system's over-the-air update capability promised future enhancements. The Navigator also offered an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle's 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera as standard safety features. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, though it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems. Parking assistance features, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were available.

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 was also standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The Navigator's safety features performed well during testing, though the driver remained responsible for monitoring the vehicle's surroundings.