2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal. 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 added to the vehicle's modern feel.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid continued the blocky, substantial appearance introduced in 2019, with a trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork. The interior carried the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and a mix of hard plastics and lightly padded surfaces. While the base model and new Woodland trim had a downmarket urethane steering wheel, other trims offered a leather-wrapped option. The build quality was strong, with no detectable creaks or squeaks over rough pavement.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and had a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA's combined rating of 18 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, producing a combined 219 horsepower. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, quicker than the standard RAV4 but slower than the RAV4 Prime. The brakes operated smoothly, transitioning seamlessly between regenerative and physical braking. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over moderate bumps and potholes, with confident cornering. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were calm and effortless, appealing to most drivers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator L variant 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.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for front passengers and adequate room for average-sized adults in the rear seats. The rear seat cushions were set low, which might be uncomfortable for taller passengers on long trips. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter owners might find them hard to reach. Interior storage was excellent, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious center armrest bin.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a modern interface and easy-to-use controls. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the voice recognition was improved, though not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trim featured a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

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, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required constant driver attention.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS. Standard safety features included Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitor, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control was smooth and reliable.