Lincoln Navigator vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and upscale design. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model remained largely unchanged from its 2022 refresh. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, showcased the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, although keeping it clean proved challenging. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black interior, real wood trim, and chrome accents. However, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall premium feel. The ambient lighting added character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though largely ignored by teenagers, was a notable feature. The Navigator Reserve's MSRP reached $104,715, reflecting its premium positioning.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid aimed for practicality and efficiency. The test vehicle, a top Platinum trim with AWD, featured minimal appearance changes for 2023, including a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors. The Highlander's design was bold, with exaggerated forms and a busy interior layout. The cabin featured large air vents, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and mismatched textures, creating a visually overwhelming experience. While the Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, its interior quality fell short, with inexpensive-feeling controls and unlined storage areas. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, making it suitable for city and suburban driving.

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, with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the test vehicle's 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires resulted in a less-than-smooth ride. Excite mode improved handling on winding roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency, with the SUV averaging 15.6 mpg on the test loop, below its EPA rating of 18 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, achieving 28.7 mpg on the evaluation loop, it lacked high-speed passing power and towing capability. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with Trail mode for light off-road use. The Highlander Hybrid's soft suspension and CVT contributed to a comfortable but uninspiring driving experience, making it ideal for city and suburban commuting.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating for 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 front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage features. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample space and easy access to the third row, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Navigator's storage solutions were generous, with a large center console tray and covered cupholders. The extended-length Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized practicality for family life, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. While the front seats were supportive, the third-row seating was best suited for occasional use due to limited space and comfort. The Highlander Hybrid offered useful storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf with a wireless smartphone charger and rubber-lined cupholders. However, the center armrest storage console design was unnecessarily complex, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility. Cargo space behind the third row measured 16 cubic feet, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

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 digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. The test vehicle included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, delivering impressive sound quality. Lincoln Play provided rear-seat entertainment, though it went unused by teenagers. The wireless smartphone charger, however, caused the phone to overheat, leading to its discontinuation.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system featured over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans, including Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, enhanced the Highlander's capabilities. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which delivered decent sound quality. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics lacked contrast, making visibility challenging.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise operated on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but struggled with curves, mixed surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though full crash test assessments were unavailable.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a standard ADAS package. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Hybrids featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well in most scenarios, though it faced challenges with lane convergence and rural roads. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.