2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear window tint, roof rails, LED head- and taillights, remote start, cruise control, chrome belt-line moldings, and silver-painted skid plates. It also included upgraded cloth and leatherette seats, a cargo security cover, and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a 20-inch wheel design. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade. The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Black Label trim in the Central Park theme featured a green interior with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes, but a tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and better driving experiences.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The Navigator’s adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The SUV handled well in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided respectable headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats lacked bolstering for long distances. The Trax had multiple storage trays in each door and low cupholder placement for large water bottles. It offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, along with an updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet for Navigator L).

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering easy-to-follow menus, vivid graphics, and hard buttons and dials. It came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The new system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with easy-to-use menus and a user-friendly interface. The Navigator also featured a new Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The test vehicle included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning were not available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake for unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking, and ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well but required driver attention for safety.