2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E was a bold move by Ford, blending the iconic Mustang styling with a modern electric crossover SUV design. Despite its unconventional dimensions, the Mach-E's galloping horse emblems, scowling headlights, and tri-bar taillights gave it a distinctive look that resonated with fans of the legendary pony car. Since its debut in 2021, Ford had produced over 150,000 units, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts. The Mach-E was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $45,995 to $63,995, and was eligible for federal and state incentives, making it an attractive option for many buyers.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, maintained its status as a full-size luxury SUV with a focus on comfort and utility. Although it hadn't seen significant updates since its 2018 redesign and 2022 refresh, the Navigator continued to offer a spacious and luxurious interior. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Despite its upscale appearance, the Navigator's chrome plastic switchgear occasionally fell short of conveying true luxury. The cabin was equipped with a Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, although it went largely unused by the test passengers.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with horsepower ranging from 266 to 480 and torque from 317 to 634 lb-ft, depending on the configuration. The Mach-E GT, with its extended-range battery and AWD drivetrain, delivered 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The GT Performance Edition package increased torque to 634 lb-ft but reduced the range to 260 miles. The Mach-E featured various driving modes, including Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, with the GT offering an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. Despite its firm suspension, the Mach-E GT provided an exciting driving experience, with a trip computer indicating better-than-expected efficiency.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.6 mpg. The SUV offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, with an adaptive damping suspension standard. However, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. The Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. Despite its size, the Navigator felt smaller on winding roads, though its nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E provided a functional and stylish interior, with seating for up to five people and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The GT model featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather with Miko synthetic suede inserts. The rear seats offered a snug but supportive space for passengers, and the standard panoramic glass roof added an airy feel. The Mach-E's cargo capacity expanded to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the frunk included a drain plug for easy cleaning.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, though finding the perfect adjustment proved challenging. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Storage space was generous throughout the cabin, and the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space behind each row of seats.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, though a radio tuning knob and driving mode button would have been welcome additions. The Mach-E also included a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access.

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 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, though the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues. The test vehicle's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality, and Phone As A Key technology provided digital key access.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist functions, though it required constant monitoring. The Mach-E received top marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022, but NHTSA ratings for 2023 were incomplete.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on designated highways but struggled with curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but full crash-test assessments were unavailable.