2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted six weary travelers at Los Angeles International Airport with its plush and roomy interior. Despite its luxurious Platinum trim, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all the luggage, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap for the 40-mile ride. The vehicle's Magnetic gray paint, four-wheel drive, and Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package added to its appeal, but the lack of cargo space highlighted the utility of minivans for such trips.

The Expedition Platinum's intricate chrome grille, 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, and brightwork gave it a bold presence. However, the standard-length model's inability to carry both passengers and their luggage was a significant drawback. The extended-length MAX version or a different seating configuration could have resolved this issue. Once home, the leather-lined cabin provided comfort, though the interior's hard plastic reminded passengers of the Expedition's origins. For a more refined experience, the Lincoln Navigator was suggested as a superior alternative.

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received an Audi-esque grille, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 Navigator's Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display, enhancing the user experience. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, now with Road Preview, improved ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster provided better pedal feel and response. The Navigator's twin-turbo V6 engine delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, making it a powerful and capable vehicle. The SUV's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, except for the Platinum trim, which boasted 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the specification. The Expedition's Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology made maneuvering trailers easier.

Acceleration was impressive, even with a full load of passengers and cargo. The twin-turbo V6 emitted a pleasant engine note, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Platinum's 22-inch wheels affected ride quality, transmitting road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension. The Expedition's four-wheel independent suspension kept the vehicle stable over bumps. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, added off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle did not include this option. The Expedition 4WD averaged 17.1 mpg on the evaluation loop, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and choice of RWD or 4WD. The engine delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, providing robust performance. Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain. The Navigator's Trailer Reverse Guidance technology was easier to use in 2022.

The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, now with Road Preview, identified road imperfections and adjusted damping forces accordingly. The new electronic brake booster improved pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The SUV averaged 18.6 mpg during the evaluation, slightly better than the EPA's combined rating of 18 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's regular-length model struggled to transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously. The long-wheelbase Expedition MAX was recommended for such needs. The Expedition offered large, comfortable seats for all passengers, though only the front seats had a massage function. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort in all seating positions. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition MAX provided even more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided roomy and supportive accommodations. The Navigator's independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride for all passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 120.2 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the aging Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display. While the user interface was friendly, the system was sometimes slow to respond. Sync 3 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system was enhanced for 2021, but still required specific language for more complex commands. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered additional entertainment options.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. Sync 4's voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a minimum curb weight of 5,368 pounds, providing a safety advantage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Expedition a five-star overall crash-test rating. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not performed crash tests on the SUV. The Expedition's rollover-resistance rating was three stars for RWD models and four stars for 4WD models. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, which offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Limited trim and higher offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a semi-autonomous parking assistance system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

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 was also newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took complete control of parking maneuvers. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, was approved for use on 130,000 miles of North American roads. The system performed well on straight, dry, sunny stretches of freeway but required driver attention for potential threats. ActiveGlide represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but still required responsible driving.