2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, maintained its status as a full-size luxury SUV with no significant updates since its last refresh in 2022. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the Navigator's cabin was upscale, with black interiors accented by real wood trim and chrome. The ambient lighting from the Reserve I package added character at night. Despite the luxurious materials, some chrome plastic switchgear failed to convey the same level of luxury. The Navigator's interior was spacious, with power-deploying running boards for easy access and 30-way adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved cumbersome, and the seats were difficult to perfect. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, especially in the extended-length Navigator L model, which provided significantly more room for passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5 models came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, likely due to the slow-reacting transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering that inspired confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road and wind noise.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. Drivers could choose from five Lincoln Drive Modes, with an optional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension included Road Preview, which prepared the suspension for changes in the pavement surface. However, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent outward visibility and impressive grip from the large wheels and tires. However, the steering was slow and lifeless, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's nearly three-ton curb weight. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to be functional and user-friendly. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrowly profiled front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with only a slight reduction in headroom for the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with the Sportback offering 24.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated cabin access, and the 30-way adjustable front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments made it difficult to find the perfect seating position. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The 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 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses. However, the system took time to boot up, and Apple CarPlay activation was slow. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning available through Audi Connect Care. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured 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 satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant was effective, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Navigator also offered Phone As A Key technology, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. The Lincoln Play system installed touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though they were largely ignored in favor of personal devices.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars for rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the Q5 its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and matrix-design LED headlights.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways, though it required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but lacked a full crashworthiness assessment from the NHTSA and IIHS.