2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV design. It featured a new take on the V-motion grille, LED headlights, and slim LED daytime running lights. The vehicle was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a black roof option. The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look, more in line with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The Pathfinder was made 0.6 inches wider with a track that was 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look on the roadway. The design changes aimed to position the vehicle as more capable and rugged, and it came in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was all black with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added contrast and character. The Navigator Reserve’s cabin looked upscale and used quality materials, but the chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury. The test vehicle also featured a Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV streaming capability.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The Pathfinder was available in FWD and AWD configurations, with the AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes. The FWD Pathfinder had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The AWD models had a slightly better highway mileage. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity and featured a stable ride with a tight turning radius, making it easy to park and steer.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension included Road Preview, but the ride quality was inconsistent. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads but proved challenging to maneuver in city and suburban settings due to its size.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior was designed for comfort and flexibility. It featured improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row glass to reduce noise. The Pathfinder offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and five inches more hip room for third-row passengers. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access. The second-row center console was removable, and the front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage space. The Pathfinder had 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style. The test vehicle featured Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, which accommodated taller and larger adults. Storage space was generous, with large trays and smaller compartments for third-row passengers. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came loaded with technology, including a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more. Upper trim levels featured a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum offered a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, widescreen head-up display, and dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The test vehicle had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System and Phone As A Key technology. The Lincoln Play system was available for rear-seat passengers, though it was not widely used by the test vehicle’s occupants.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning were also standard. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with the Platinum trim featuring eleven. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. These included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assist. BlueCruise worked on approximately 130,000 miles of North American highways but required regular driver intervention. The Navigator had a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.