2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its luxurious and spacious design, even as it awaited a future electric transformation. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the fourth-generation Navigator remained largely unchanged since its last refresh in 2022. The 2023 model maintained its elegant presence with a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring a Monochromatic Package that added black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall upscale feel. The Navigator's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, with ambient lighting adding character to the Reserve I package.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design that harkened back to the 1960s, with a rugged and adventurous appearance. The two-door model particularly captured the essence of the original Bronco, while the four-door version offered more practicality. The Sasquatch Package, a popular upgrade, enhanced the Bronco's off-road capabilities with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's interior was functional and durable, with marine-grade vinyl upholstery that resisted water and mildew. However, it lacked breathability, making it less comfortable in hot weather. The Bronco's design allowed for open-air driving experiences, with removable roof panels and doors, adding to its adventurous appeal.

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, it offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.6 mpg. The SUV featured five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was often harsh over smaller bumps and floated over larger ones. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of engine options, starting with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system and G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) driving modes provided versatility for various terrains. Off-road technologies like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, the Bronco's fuel efficiency was a concern, with the Big Bend Sasquatch averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco's on-road performance was less refined, with wind and tire noise affecting the driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in providing functionality and luxury, with spacious seating in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample space and comfort, with a pass-through to the third-row seat. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator's cargo space was substantial, with the extended-length Navigator L model offering even more room for luggage and gear.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the four-door configuration, offered a roomy interior with comfortable seating for four adults. The absence of a rollbar in front of rear-seat passengers improved headroom and comfort compared to its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. However, the marine-grade vinyl upholstery trapped moisture, making it less comfortable in wet conditions. The Bronco's interior was designed for versatility, with removable roof panels and doors for open-air driving. Interior storage was practical, with MOLLE panels on the front seat backs for customizable storage solutions. The Bronco's cargo space varied depending on the body style and roof configuration, with the four-door model offering more room for gear and equipment.

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 infotainment system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The Navigator's digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused the phone to overheat. The Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided impressive sound quality, and the Lincoln Way smartphone app allowed for digital key access.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. However, the system experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The 8-inch digital instrumentation panel required a short learning curve, but the steering wheel controls could be distracting while driving.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco's safety systems operated as expected, though the lane-keep assist system was less preferred. The IIHS rated the Bronco four-door favorably, except for its headlight performance, while the NHTSA provided a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.