2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, entered 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Despite its luxurious appearance, the Infinite Black paint proved difficult to keep clean. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded an upscale feel, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury. The cabin's ambient lighting added character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though pricey, went unused by teenagers who preferred their iPhones.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in six trim levels, maintained the design introduced in 2019. The Adventure trim, tested here, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and faux skid plates, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, orange accents on the seats and center console added a sporty touch. The frameless rearview mirror lent a premium feel to the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 offered ample storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The Adventure trim, while visually appealing, lacked the off-road capabilities of the TRD Off-Road trim.

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. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined, but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes: Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, though standard, failed to provide a smooth ride, especially with the 22-inch wheels. Excite mode improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size proved challenging in urban settings, and the brakes struggled on mountain roads.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims featured AWD, while other trims offered FWD with an AWD option. The RAV4's acceleration was adequate but not exciting, and the engine noise was noticeable. The Adventure trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, lacked the off-road capabilities of the TRD Off-Road trim, which featured 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easier. The 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats, with heating, ventilation, and massage, provided comfort but were challenging to adjust. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults. 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 Toyota RAV4 seated five and provided 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the back seats with the moonroof. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the second row. The RAV4 offered ample storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, placing it in the middle of the pack among competitors.

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 with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though expensive, went unused by teenagers.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch touchscreen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. The Adventure trim featured the upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on the Limited trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assist. BlueCruise worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but struggled with 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.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured standard safety equipment, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.