2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined evolution in its design, appearing shorter in height yet broader in width, with an extended wheelbase while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. This model offered increased cargo space compared to the 2022 version, although it still lagged behind some competitors. The RX's appearance was notably smaller due to a reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar that created a floating roof effect. The front showcased a signature spindle-style grille, seamlessly integrated with a modern mesh texture, leading into an elevated hood that flowed into the windshield pillars. The rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper aesthetics. The RX's exterior styling was distinct enough to be recognized as a Lexus RX, yet fresh and conservative compared to its predecessor, ensuring it stood apart from the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, featuring digital instrumentation and a choice between a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The inclusion of natural voice-recognition technology made the RX's features more accessible, although the complimentary Intelligent Assistant technology was limited to three years before requiring a subscription. The interior quality was high, with standard NuLuxe artificial leather and available genuine leather options, along with textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum dashboard trims. The RX was available in various trims, including the RX 350, RX 350h, RX 500h, and the upcoming RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while awaiting its transformation into an electric SUV, continued to impress with its current fourth-generation model, which remained largely unchanged since its last redesign in 2018 and refresh in 2022. The Navigator's 2023 version maintained its luxurious appeal, with the test vehicle being a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was predominantly black, accented with real wood trim and chrome details, with ambient lighting adding character at night. The Navigator Reserve's cabin exuded an upscale feel, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury experience. The test vehicle's MSRP reached $104,715, including a destination charge, with options like the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, which went unused by the test's teenage passengers.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous 3.5-liter V6, albeit with a less refined sound. During testing on a 20-mile loop in California, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excessive body motion over uneven surfaces, though it generally provided a smooth ride. The RX 350 F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, felt more secure and eliminated most unwanted motion. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, and the F Sport Handling's upgraded brakes were not fully tested. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did so in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though actual results were slightly lower.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but it averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview was standard, though the ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floaty over larger dips. Excite mode improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent visibility and impressive grip, though the steering was slow and lifeless, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The interior was modern and sophisticated, with Peppercorn color, suede door panel accents, and black open pore wood trim. The RX 350 F Sport Handling had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seating across all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. 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, which accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with large trays and covered compartments maintaining a clean interior look. 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 with the front seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered Destination Assist and an Intelligent Assistant with natural voice recognition. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and Apple Music or Amazon Music could be streamed through embedded apps. The system's primary drawback was the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional features like a digital rearview mirror, digital key smartphone technology, and a color head-up display.

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 performed well, accurately responding to commands. The Navigator's 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 SUV using a digital key. The Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment, though it was underutilized by passengers during testing.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed-reduction function. Semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and issues with curve-speed reduction technology. The driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions, causing alerts.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was fortified with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering a range of ADAS features. Notable systems included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated Hands-Free Blue Zones. BlueCruise required regular driver intervention, especially in curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. It also struggled with sudden lane changes by other motorists. 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.