2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its classic design as it awaited a future electric transformation. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the fourth-generation Navigator continued to offer a luxurious experience with minimal changes from its previous iterations. The 2023 model featured a triple-black Navigator Reserve trim, equipped with a Monochromatic Package that included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded an upscale feel, although some chrome plastic elements fell short of luxury expectations. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, with ambient lighting adding character at night. The Navigator Reserve's MSRP reached $104,715, including a destination charge, with options like the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, which went largely unused by tech-savvy teenagers.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander emerged as a spacious and versatile crossover, built on the TNGA-K platform. It shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models, offering a roomy interior and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Grand Highlander's design leaned towards a more rugged appearance, drawing inspiration from off-road vehicles. Its dimensions, including a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, surpassed competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Grand Highlander provided ample space and comfort, with options for Softex synthetic leather or real leather upholstery. The Platinum trim offered Portobello upholstery for a touch of luxury. The Grand Highlander excelled as a road-trip vehicle, with a well-built interior and a reputation for mechanical reliability.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, it offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the SUV's ride was often described as a "hot mess," with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its nearly three-ton curb weight affecting braking performance.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option provided 245 combined net horsepower, while the Hybrid Max powertrain delivered 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid Max offered impressive acceleration, with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander's size made it less maneuverable than its smaller counterpart, the Highlander, but its brakes provided solid performance. Toyota offered three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—along with additional modes for AWD-equipped models. The Grand Highlander excelled in Normal mode, providing a balanced driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage features. However, the abundance of seat adjustments sometimes proved overwhelming. The Navigator's storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander boasted impressive dimensions, surpassing many of its rivals in size. With a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet, it offered ample storage space, even with all three rows of seats in use. The Grand Highlander's interior was spacious and comfortable, with good outward visibility and plenty of room for passengers in every row. Its design provided a viable alternative to minivans, appealing to those seeking a roomy and versatile vehicle.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a navigation system and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality, and the Lincoln Way smartphone app allowed for digital key functionality. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though available, was largely ignored by passengers.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. An intelligent assistant, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," responded to voice commands for various tasks. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 11-speaker JBL stereo, standard on higher trims, provided good sound quality. Toyota's tech offerings had improved significantly, with options for streaming audio integration and connected-services subscriptions.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise faced challenges with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, as a new model, had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The updated lane-departure alert could identify three-dimensional objects, reducing false warnings. The Grand Highlander's safety features provided a comprehensive level of protection for drivers and passengers.