2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt diminished its 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 celestial touch to the interior, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its design from 2019, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims retaining a distinctive two-part face. The Adventure trim featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents, adding a sporty flair. The interior, while basic, included a frameless rearview mirror for a touch of premium feel. The RAV4 offered a range of trims, from the budget-friendly LE to the feature-rich Limited, catering to various preferences. The Adventure trim, however, was more about appearance than off-road capability, lacking the rugged features of the TRD Off-Road variant.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, enhanced with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, the engine provided adequate performance. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims featured all-wheel drive, with the latter offering more off-road capability. The RAV4's suspension setup was consistent across trims, with the TRD Off-Road receiving unique components for enhanced performance. The RAV4's fuel economy was competitive, though specific figures were not provided.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs also featured heating, ventilation, and massage functions, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat provided ample space and comfort, a hallmark of the Navigator since 2005. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 accommodated five passengers, with front-row headroom of 37.7 inches and rear headroom of 39.5 inches. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear. The RAV4 offered practical storage solutions, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not class-leading, the RAV4's cargo capacity was competitive.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well, though not flawlessly. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, equipped with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in higher trims. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Adventure trim tested featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on select trims.

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. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well within its operational limits but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but highlighted the need for driver vigilance.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety performance. The updated safety suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, enhancing its capabilities.