2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes that aimed to refine an already much-admired exterior. New headlights and taillights were introduced, and the wheel designs were updated, with a 20-inch design becoming the standard. Lincoln also refreshed the vehicle's front end and updated the Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence.

Critics received most of these changes positively, though the new front-end design, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4 grille but adorned with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, fell short of expectations. It somewhat diminished the Navigator's elegance and presence, which was clearly not the intended effect. However, this was considered a minor misstep in an otherwise successful update.

Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a distinct mid-century modern design. The introduction of Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and the infotainment display theme gave the interior a charming ambiance. Imagine the sky just after sunset, stars twinkling overhead with a thin line of vibrant color on the horizon—this was the visual representation Lincoln aimed for on all of the Navigator’s displays, including the head-up display (HUD) and rear-seat entertainment screens.

One of the significant interior upgrades was the sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a much larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display. Combined with digital instrumentation and a widescreen HUD, the Navigator competed effectively in the growing trend of oversized vehicle displays.

For the 2022 Navigator, Lincoln offered Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims in both standard and long-wheelbase styles, with starting MSRPs at $78,405, including the $1,695 destination charge. A Black Label trim in its new Central Park theme was evaluated, featuring a Manhattan Green exterior and a matching green interior equipped with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs. The sticker price for this particular model was $106,530, including the destination charge.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Sienna faced the challenge of overcoming the traditional minivan aesthetic, often associated with memories of cramped back seats and family trips. Aimed at shedding this image, Toyota gave the Sienna a front-end design resembling a Japanese bullet train. The XSE and Platinum trims with front-wheel drive (FWD) further sported 20-inch wheels, adding a touch of flair.

The 2023 Sienna offered a range of trims starting from the base LE to the top-shelf Platinum trim. For 2023, a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim was also introduced. Value-conscious shoppers likely gravitated towards the XLE trim, which added standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate—features highly appreciated by those with children.

The Platinum trim's interior was alluring, featuring high-quality brown leather upholstery and beautiful wood-grain accents on the center console. The Sienna catered to families with its seating options for either seven or eight passengers, although only the LE and XLE trims allowed for the higher occupancy. Eight-seater models could fit three car seats across the middle row, secured with LATCH anchors—a major plus for larger families.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator once again relied on a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). This powertrain delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, emitting a satisfying note during acceleration. Depending on wheelbase and drivetrain choices, the Navigator managed a towing capacity ranging between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds.

Despite its V6 configuration, the Navigator compared favorably to its arch-rival, the Cadillac Escalade. With its 6.2-liter V8 engine mustering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, the Escalade felt slightly outpowered compared to the Navigator. The Escalade’s towing capacity ranged from 7,300 to 8,200 lbs. The Navigator also outperformed the Escalade's optional 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine, which delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft.

The Navigator’s adaptive-damping suspension was updated with a feature called Road Preview, which prepared the suspension for bumps and cracks ahead. Despite the heavy 22-inch wheels on the Black Label test vehicle, the SUV handled imperfect pavement with ease. Furthermore, a new electronic brake booster significantly improved brake pedal feel and response.

During a route from Scottsdale to Payson, the Navigator effortlessly climbed past the 5,000-foot elevation snow line, thanks to its twin-turbo engine. The SUV tackled snowy and muddy conditions without a hitch, supported by 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate traction settings. Even on two-lane mountain roads, the Navigator’s adaptive suspension and sizable tires provided a smooth and stable ride. The EPA estimated the Navigator 4WD to return 18 mpg in combined driving, and during our test, the SUV averaged 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna took a different approach by equipping all models with a hybrid powertrain. Toyota paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD trims. This setup delivered 245 net system horsepower, falling short compared to competitors.

While this hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, it struggled with the Sienna's substantial size and weight, leading to lackluster acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) also tended to strain under heavy acceleration. In comparison, the Sienna felt underpowered next to the Honda Odyssey.

Despite the powertrain's shortcomings, the Sienna shone with its chassis and steering, offering a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. Particularly in city driving scenarios, the Sienna’s light steering and tidy turning radius were notable advantages. The minivan also featured several driving modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. However, EV mode rarely functioned as intended, and Eco mode significantly dampened performance. Normal mode was the recommended setting for balanced performance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable front seats, featuring heating, ventilation, massage functions, and 30-way adjustability. With the memory function, drivers could save their preferred settings for long-term comfort.

Second-row passengers gained from the new massaging, heated, and ventilated rear captain’s chairs, coupled with the upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. This setup ensured a comfortable and entertaining ride, as evidenced during a 30-minute test with Amazon Prime's “Reacher.”

Third-row passengers benefited from the spacious design, with plenty of room and a supportive seat. This spaciousness had been a hallmark of the Navigator since 2005, thanks to its independent rear suspension. Cadillac only managed to catch up with its 2021 model, yet the Navigator’s third-row seat was still considered more comfortable.

Storage and cargo space in the Navigator were generous. The standard model offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, while the long-wheelbase Navigator L provided 34.3 cubic feet. Folding the third-row seat down increased the volume to 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 in Navigator L) and with the second-row seat collapsed, the Navigator offered 103.3 cubic feet of space (120.2 in Navigator L).

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled with its numerous storage solutions, featuring cubbies, nooks, and bins throughout the interior. A large cubby under the center console and an extended shelf across the dash provided ample space for personal items. Higher trims included a wireless charging pad on the shelf, adding further convenience.

The Sienna’s ample interior space was made possible by its minivan platform. The vehicle's large dimensions—over 200 inches in length and a 120.5-inch wheelbase—contributed to its spaciousness. Behind the third-row seats, the Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down. Total cargo space amounted to 101 cubic feet.

However, the Sienna's cargo capacity trailed behind other minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica. This limitation was due to the Sienna’s second-row seats, which couldn't be fully removed or folded into the floor, unlike its competitors. Despite this, the middle-row seats remained highly functional, sliding forward and backward on long tracks and providing accommodations for even tall adults. Additionally, the extendable ottomans in the second row enhanced thigh support for added comfort.

In response to feedback about its relatively small 10.1-inch infotainment screen, Lincoln upgraded the 2022 Navigator with a new Sync 4 infotainment system and a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display. Positioned above the center air vents, the new screen was user-friendly and featured dual data panels for viewing navigation and music simultaneously.

Beneath the air vents, Lincoln retained physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions, all clearly marked and easy to use. Sync 4’s interface was intuitive, supporting both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Users could customize the system extensively, with about 80 individual vehicle settings that could be saved to a user profile.

Sync 4’s voice recognition system, while not perfect, was notably improved over the previous system. Over-the-air updates promised continual enhancements. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, allowing quick access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.

The test vehicle featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system that provided an exceptional auditory experience. However, parents should note that there was no way to monitor the rear-seat content from the front seats.

By contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna carried over its older infotainment system rather than adopting newer tech from models like the Tundra and Sequoia. The Sienna's system, while reliable, felt outdated and clunky. It included core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven USB ports. However, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, adding to the system's dated feel.

The 9-inch touchscreen, although seemingly small on paper, looked appropriate in person. Despite a few idiosyncrasies, the Sienna’s technology was dependable. A 12-speaker JBL audio system in the test car provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A newly standard surround-view camera system enhanced visibility.

Intersection Assist automatically braked for unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 controlled the SUV for parking, effective for both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. During testing on Loop 202 in metro Phoenix, ActiveGlide worked well within its operational limits, but required the driver to remain attentive, as it didn’t always identify potential threats.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety technology. It included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features were critical for a family-oriented vehicle.

The 2023 Sienna earned a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the mechanically identical 2022 Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).