2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and sophistication, standing apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Its design was a harmonious blend of rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, creating a commanding presence on the road. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and modern, minimalist design. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased a refined taste, with layered wood trim and a floating center console. The Black Label trims elevated luxury further, offering unique textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, provided unparalleled comfort, making the Navigator a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV with a handsome design, especially with the optional ST appearance package. The Encore GX shared a family resemblance with the Encore, featuring Buick's signature trapezoidal grille and similar styling cues. The slightly longer wheelbase gave it a more balanced look. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats on the top Essence trim. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls added to the user-friendly experience. While the Encore GX's interior wasn't as premium as the Navigator's, it provided a pleasant environment for its size.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a surprisingly agile performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and efficient, offering a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for highway cruising.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter delivering 155 horsepower. The 1.3-liter engine, paired with a CVT in FWD models, provided adequate power for everyday driving, though it was a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's handling was drama-free, but its ride quality and noise levels were less refined than expected from a Buick. The vehicle's stop/start feature, while beneficial for fuel economy, could be annoying. Despite these drawbacks, the Encore GX's powertrain was capable, especially for merging onto highways.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. The boxy design contributed to generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103 cubic feet in total. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while compact, provided a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space was practical, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The Encore GX's two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience. Overall, the Encore GX offered a user-friendly experience with excellent visibility and easy ingress and egress.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen that seemed small compared to newer models. While the software was intuitive, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator offered features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and drive mode animations added a touch of flair.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX provided decent tech for its price, featuring an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included Bluetooth audio streaming, a WiFi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear app layouts and efficient voice recognition. Overall, the Encore GX offered a solid tech package for its segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. It lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it didn't match the self-steering capabilities of some competitors.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX excelled in safety, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. It featured standard driver assistance technologies like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The Teen Driver technology and tire-fill alert system added convenience. The Encore GX's headlights received mixed ratings, with the top Essence trim performing better. Overall, the Encore GX offered comprehensive safety features for its price.