2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride attracted consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions, complemented by trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges. The Telluride continued in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with pricing from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The interior was well-designed, though the glossy plastic in the lower half of the cabin detracted from its otherwise upscale feel. New standard features included a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end. The new grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was less elegant than before. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade. The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, starting at $78,405. Our test vehicle, a Black Label in Central Park theme, was priced at $106,530.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine, offered a satisfying driving experience. The engine produced 262 pound-feet of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission powered the wheels. AWD models featured a Lock mode for even power distribution. The Telluride handled well on dry pavement, thanks to its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and selectable driving modes. It returned 21.1 mpg in combined driving during testing, close to the EPA estimate of 21 mpg. The Telluride’s towing capacity was 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD were available. Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator’s adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. During testing, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg, slightly above the EPA estimate of 18 mpg. The SUV handled well in snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. Thoughtful details included overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, and USB ports in all three rows. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with real leather upholstery in EX and SX trims. The SX Prestige package added Nappa leather and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator L long-wheelbase configuration offered even more cargo space. The standard Navigator had 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The Navigator L increased these figures to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride also had standard Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions. Our SX test vehicle included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and offered user profiles for personalized settings. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The Navigator’s safety features aimed to enhance driver confidence and vehicle control.