2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had a distinct elegance and understated design, a challenging feat for a three-ton truck riding on 22-inch wheels. Its rectilinear shapes defined the grille, windows, and headlights, with a few chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking during winter tests. The Navigator's interior was equally impressive, featuring seven color palettes and a taste for finer details. The Slate Gray interior of the test truck showcased layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. Materials were top-notch, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco boasted attractive retro styling and a go-anywhere attitude, making it one of the most sought-after vehicles. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, including the new Everglades model, designed for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height enhancing its off-road capabilities. The interior continued this theme with sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its rugged look, the Bronco offered modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes, a digital instrument panel, and a large infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly sprightly for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and the towing capacity was impressive at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, and the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the V6 was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All Broncos featured 4WD and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with the Everglades model handling deep-rutted muddy trails, water crossings, and rock climbs with ease. On pavement, the Bronco's ride was smoother and more refined than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler, making it a better road trip companion.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with room for six adults and their belongings. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second row featured manually-reclining captain's chairs. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions, torso bolsters, and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 52.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the four-door hard top providing up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails. Utility was enhanced with external hard mounting points and removable fender flares. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, complicating the loading of larger objects.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat outdated, with a 10-inch touchscreen that seemed small compared to newer models. The instrument panel couldn't display full-screen maps, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, and features like voice recognition, onboard 4G WiFi, and wireless device charging were included. The rear entertainment system offered Roku media streaming and various connections. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Ford Bronco smartly used technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, and the forward-looking trail camera helped navigate difficult terrain. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system was quick and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharper turns in tight spaces, and the available wireless charging pad added convenience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as competitors.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's standard safety features included hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional features, available in various packages, included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The Bronco received four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three out of five stars for rollover protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Bronco its best score of "Good" in several tests.