2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued the legacy of its predecessors, evolving from a compact SUV into a mature crossover. Initially launched in 1996, the RAV4 was embraced by young buyers and set the stage for a new category of car-based SUVs. Over five generations, it grew in size and sophistication, becoming a sales leader in the United States. The 2022 model, a continuation of the 2019 redesign, featured angular wheel arches, crisp lines, and a distinctive front fascia that combined playful and aggressive elements. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, a well-placed touchscreen interface, and unique design cues like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some felt diminished its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, while the updated Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market. The Navigator also offered a range of trims and configurations, with the Black Label trim providing a particularly luxurious experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy for FWD models ranged from 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 217 combined net hp and an EPA rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 hp, a 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined rating, and up to 42 miles of electric-only range.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster enhanced ride quality and braking performance. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was 18 mpg combined, and the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds and towing capacities ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with a comfortable front row and a functional second row. Storage options included cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, along with an updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with 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 collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and navigation. The RAV4 Prime included additional tech like five USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, blue ambient illumination, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system included physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The Navigator also featured an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, allowing access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The test vehicle included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, providing an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also featured LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced 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 during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking tasks, and ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The Navigator’s safety features aimed to enhance driver confidence and vehicle safety.