2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, certainly made a bold visual statement. Its front end, featuring massive headlights, seemed ready to conquer the road ahead. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned for 2023 with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its luxury badge, the GX's dimensions appeared more compact when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky aesthetics, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations. However, the interior's excessive plastic materials detracted from its luxury appeal, though features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery added some comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, entered 2023 with minimal updates. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Despite its stylish appearance, keeping the Infinite Black test vehicle clean proved challenging.

Inside, the Navigator's all-black interior, accented with real wood trim and chrome, exuded an upscale feel. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character at night. However, the chrome plastic switchgear failed to convey true luxury. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though pricey, went unused by teenagers who preferred their smartphones.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive roar. However, its fuel economy, at 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined, was less appealing compared to modern SUVs.

The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but fell short of some competitors. Its weight made it roll through corners, though predictably and controllably. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system made it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured 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. The test vehicle averaged 15.6 mpg on a Southern California testing loop, slightly below its EPA rating of 18 mpg combined.

Drivers could choose from five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension, with Road Preview, aimed to improve ride quality but fell short, making the Navigator ride like a truck over smaller bumps. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was a practical choice, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to.

The center console lid's sliding mechanisms allowed for adjustable armrests, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort with fold-out cupholders. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, even for children. The side-hinged, non-power-operated trunk door was cumbersome, and the cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easier, and the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided comfort, though they required frequent adjustments.

Storage space was generous, with large trays and smaller compartments for third-row passengers. 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 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) was unnecessary with the improved touchscreen. The inclusion of a CD player highlighted the outdated tech, and the touchscreen lagged compared to newer Lexus models.

Off-road capability was a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and multi-terrain select system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, widescreen head-up display, dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system, and a control screen on the back of the center console. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in.

The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding commands and responding accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound, and the Lincoln Way smartphone app allowed for digital key functionality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated the phone, making it unusable. The Lincoln Play system went unused by teenagers, who preferred their smartphones.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX featured modern safety technology.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assist. BlueCruise worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones 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.