2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a range of trims from base to Luxury, with prices starting at $37,950. Its design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more space for passengers and cargo. The interior boasted a minimalist look, with a focus on decluttering, though some controls integrated into the touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sporty design elements and unique interior features.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious appeal without significant updates since its 2018 redesign. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was upscale, with real wood trim and chrome accents, though some switchgear felt less luxurious. Ambient lighting added character, and the cabin was spacious and comfortable, though the chrome plastic detracted slightly from the overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h delivering 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ providing 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The F Sport trim added driving modes and an adaptive suspension, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350 was smooth and responsive, though not as refined as some German rivals, and it lacked off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Excite, which improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. Despite its size, the Navigator felt manageable on winding roads, though its nearly three-ton weight challenged the brakes. In urban settings, its size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat. It offered comfortable seating, especially in models with heated and ventilated seats. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and conveniences like air vents and USB ports. Cargo space increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with spacious seating across three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. The front seats offered 30-way adjustments, though finding the perfect setting was challenging. Storage was generous, and the Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreens, voice recognition, and cloud-based services. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch option available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system was optional. The NX also offered a digital mirror and a head-up display, though the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and an available head-up display. The Sync 4 system included wireless smartphone integration, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound. However, the wireless charger overheated phones, and rear-seat entertainment screens went unused by passengers.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. It also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trims added rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0, featuring Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise for hands-free driving. BlueCruise worked on designated highways but struggled with curves and sudden lane changes. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact rating and a 4-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.