2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of sophistication. However, the new Audi-esque grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was a rare misstep, lacking the elegance and presence of its predecessor. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai’s largest SUV, received a styling update that enhanced its commanding presence. The new front fascia, with bolder strokes and squared-off grille, gave the SUV a stronger look. LED accents and headlights were standard across the lineup, while the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The new multi-spoke alloy wheel design conveyed a premium feel. Inside, the Ultimate Calligraphy trim boasted premium Nappa leather, a dual-pane sunroof, and wing-out headrests for second-row captain’s chairs. The Palisade’s interior was stylish and functional, with features like heated and ventilated seats and a hands-free smart liftgate.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It offered a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Palisade’s towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a dedicated Tow Mode for optimized shifting. The HTRAC all-wheel drive system performed well during a muddy off-road test. Fuel economy was rated at 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride, suitable for its target audience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and optional massaging. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, with an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator’s independent rear suspension design contributed to its comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,925 litres with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade comfortably seated seven or eight passengers, with ample legroom in all three rows. The second-row seating facilitated easy access to the third row, and the 60/40-split seats folded flat for increased cargo space. Cargo capacity was 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second row, and 2,447 litres with all but the front-row seats folded. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all rows, numerous cupholders, and a hands-free smart liftgate. The interior was designed for convenience and comfort, with intuitive controls and automatic dual-zone climate control.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that was better than its predecessor. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. The premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims. The Palisade offered a 4.2-inch colour driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected vehicle system provided remote accessibility and management features, including remote start presets and seat heating or cooling activation.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous hands-free driving technology. A surround-view camera system was newly standard. ActiveGlide was approved for use on over 200,000 kilometres of North American roads, providing hands-free driving under certain conditions. However, the driver needed to remain attentive, as the system had limitations.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite of safety features was standard, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was included, along with Highway Driving Assist I and II on higher trims. The Palisade also featured a full-display digital rearview mirror and a rear seat occupant alert system.