2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted focus to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident, with the Sienna evolving through four generations since its debut in 1998. The latest model, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style without hiding its minivan roots. It featured a bold front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch to 20-inch wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with clever storage solutions, comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and a versatile third-row bench that folded into the floor.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to exude luxury and functionality. Although it awaited an electric transformation, the current model, refreshed in 2022, remained largely unchanged. The Navigator Reserve model, tested in triple-black, showcased a monochromatic package with 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, adorned with real wood trim and chrome accents, featured ambient lighting and high-quality materials. However, the chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable front seats, a Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, and a hefty MSRP of $104,715.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to better-than-expected handling, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. Its 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. Drivers could choose from five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, standard on the Navigator, included Road Preview to prepare for changes in pavement. However, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator emphasized functionality with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Storage space was generous, with various trays and covered compartments. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the Navigator using a digital key. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured two touchscreens, but teenagers preferred their smartphones.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available for added convenience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on designated highways but required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, it lacked a full crashworthiness assessment from both the NHTSA and the IIHS.