2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice was not out of stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family-hauling duties. The 4Runner, therefore, catered to a niche market of adventure seekers who appreciated its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper designed for off-road obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's function-first approach was evident, though the dash layout showed its age, having last been redesigned in 2009.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, though the new Audi-esque grille was less well-received. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The Navigator also maintained its reputation for comfort, with heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain’s chairs.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with a low range. While the V6 was reliable and provided decent acceleration, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps. However, these critiques faded when off-road, where the 4Runner excelled. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration, and it included Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview identified and prepared for road imperfections, providing a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled well in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. It achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model provided slightly less space, with 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on select trims, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. While the cabin was not the most spacious or efficient, it offered plenty of storage spaces for gear.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, along with an updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version).

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and benefited from hard buttons and dials, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system covered the basics and relied on tactile controls, which were helpful for off-road driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a significant technology upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect, and the system could be fine-tuned via over-the-air updates. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, such as forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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 newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While ActiveGlide performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving but emphasized the importance of driver vigilance.