2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

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 maintained its appeal with minor updates. The Navigator's exterior, particularly in the triple-black Reserve model, exuded sophistication with its Monochromatic Package, featuring 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. The ambient lighting added a touch of character, enhancing the overall upscale feel of the interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, classic design, reminiscent of its 2010 roots. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a brawny stance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model, with its underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, emphasized its capability to tackle tough terrains. However, the interior showed its age with outdated styling and technology. The analog instrument panel and small infotainment touchscreen felt like a throwback, and the hard plastic surfaces, while durable, lacked the refinement of more modern SUVs. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner's practicality and off-road prowess remained its strong suits.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain, it offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension, although standard, did not live up to expectations, as the ride quality was inconsistent. On mountain roads, the Excite mode improved handling but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban settings, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission lagged behind competitors, affecting acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model featured standard 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The soft suspension, while beneficial off-road, resulted in body roll and nosedive during on-road driving. Despite these issues, the 4Runner's off-road prowess remained a highlight, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.

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, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved cumbersome. Storage was ample, with various compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for families needing extra room.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, was practical and easy to use. The large climate-control dials and driveline levers were user-friendly, even with gloves. Visibility was excellent, crucial for off-road navigation. The front seats offered ample space, but the steering wheel's limited telescoping range was a drawback for taller drivers. The second row provided good legroom, though headroom was limited. Cargo space was generous, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were stowed. The sliding glass rear window and hitch receiver added to its practicality.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both user-friendly and visually appealing. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Alexa Built-in. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, and the rear-seat Lincoln Play system went unused by passengers.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system, while basic, included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The eight-inch touchscreen was small and challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model's 15-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, but road noise often overshadowed it. Off-road controls in the headliner console required familiarization, as they were labeled with pictograms. Features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 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.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for overall and frontal crash protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, though only the Limited had parking sensors.