2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 showcased a design that drew inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70, particularly above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that curved from behind the rear window were notable design elements that connected it visually to the G70. This chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV without compromising versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic aesthetics, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash was equipped with a full touchscreen, a rotary dial, and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface that was superior to the touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while not undergoing significant updates since its last redesign in 2018, continued to impress with its imposing presence 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. Inside, the Navigator's cabin was upscale, with quality materials and ambient lighting that added character. However, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Navigator's interior was spacious, with power-deploying running boards for easy access and Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats, ensuring comfort for long journeys. The second-row captain's chairs and third-row seats provided ample space for passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options for its gas-powered models: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's turbo-four engine provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70's driving experience was a refined blend of comfort and sharp handling, making it suitable for both spirited driving and absorbing road imperfections.

The GV70 Electrified model featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors in an all-wheel-drive setup, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth acceleration experience, with a Boost button for an extra 54 horsepower when needed. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. The GV70 Electrified maintained the well-rounded handling of its gas-powered counterparts, leaning slightly more towards comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, though our test vehicle averaged 15.6 mpg. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an additional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger undulations. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving ride quality but impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its nearly three-ton curb weight affecting braking performance on mountain roads.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate for convenience. The front seats offered easy adjustability for a comfortable driving position, while the rear seats had tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench was reclinable, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, and the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs and third-row seats were roomy, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Navigator's storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis provided helpful buttons in the center console and a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the vehicle's rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Additional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while not emphasizing digital display supremacy, offered 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 a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. The Lincoln Play system provided rear-seat passengers with touchscreens, though our test passengers preferred their smartphones.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T model's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 3.5T model included these features in the Sport Advance package. The GV70 Electrified offered most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was fortified with advanced driving assistance systems, bundled in the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated Hands-Free Blue Zones. BlueCruise required driver attention and intervention in certain situations, such as curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.