2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its elegant design and upscale features. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model remained largely unchanged since its last refresh in 2022. The Navigator's exterior, especially in the triple-black Reserve model, exuded sophistication with its Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quality materials, including real wood trim and chrome accents, although some switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected at this price point. The ambient lighting added a touch of character, enhancing the overall upscale feel of the interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its status as a staple in the SUV market, with its massive size and practicality. Known for its long-standing presence, the Suburban blended seamlessly into traffic despite its imposing dimensions. The Suburban's design was functional, with six available trims offering varying levels of luxury and features. The High Country trim, which we tested, boasted 22-inch alloy wheels and a comfortable interior with leather upholstery. However, even at the top trim, some features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof were optional, adding to the overall cost. The Suburban's interior was spacious, but the design felt somewhat pedestrian, lacking the premium feel expected in a high-end SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a tendency to float over dips and wallow over bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but negatively impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower. The diesel engine, in particular, provided excellent fuel economy and towing capabilities, making it a preferred choice for those seeking efficiency. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's steering and brakes were up to the task, although its size and weight resulted in some body roll. The Suburban's height-adjustable air suspension handled rough roads well, but drivers needed to be mindful of its substantial mass.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, where the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved challenging to perfect. The Navigator's storage solutions were ample, and the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a standout in terms of cargo capacity, with 41.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it a top choice for those needing substantial storage. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. The interior was spacious, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably, and the Suburban's practicality was unmatched in its class.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a host of other connectivity features. The Navigator's digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices, and the rear-seat entertainment system went unused by passengers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system included a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base trim. Google Built-in was a highlight, offering seamless access to essential apps without needing a smartphone. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were also available, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added value for long trips. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the depth and richness found in higher-end systems, leaving audiophiles wanting more.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions, requiring frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-crash tests but only three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premier and High Country trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, as an optional feature, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads.