2022 Ford Expedition vs Lincoln Navigator

The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator are highly impressive SUVs. They shine in just about every way, from the way they handle themselves in rugged terrain to the amount of luxurious features they have in their cabin. The 2022 versions of these models have a lot of advanced technology as well.

Ford Motor Company actually owns the Lincoln brand, so it makes sense that these vehicles have many things in common. In general, the Lincoln Navigator is the more upscale model, and its higher price will reflect that. This comparison will hopefully help potential buyers decide which SUV would be better for them.

The Powertrain

Under the hood of a Expedition, Ford has put a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. It's not a massive engine like what's seen in some trucks and other SUVs, but it does have quite a bit of capability. It can make 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

A slight tweak in design allows the Expedition's engine to do even more. A high-output version of the engine has the potential to make up to 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.

With the Stealth Performance Edition Package, the Expedition would have that high-output engine, along with a dual exhaust and a sport-tuned suspension. It can make a difference in the overall driving experience, and it's something that some people may appreciate. The Timberline is another option to consider. This special trim has a higher ground clearance and a modified suspension that uses off-road shocks and special tuning. Plus, it has a Control Trac 4WD System with an electronic limited-slip differential to optimize traction.

Ford has matched the engine with a ten-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. All trims have an independent rear suspension to smooth out the ride. An available component is called Road Preview, and it uses a front-mounted camera to check out what's ahead on the road or trail. If there are bumps or ruts ahead of the Expedition, it can make adjustments ahead of time so that it can better handle that uneven terrain.

Rear-wheel drive is the default option, with all-wheel drive being available. If the Expedition has 4x4 capability, it would have a Hi/Low transfer case. With the Terrain Management System, the driver can choose from a few different driving modes. Sport mode makes the vehicle feel a bit more aggressive, and then there are Eco, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, and Mud/Ruts modes.

One of these Ford SUVs could also have Ford Trail Control to provide some support when dealing with steep slopes and rugged trails. The available Trail Turn Assist program can make it easier to take tight turns by applying braking pressure to the inside rear wheel.

The Lincoln Navigator has similar capacities, as it runs on the same type of engine that the Ford Expedition does. It has Lincoln Drive Modes that give people an opportunity to customize their experience, and as part of this system, there's a Slow Climb mode. Like the Ford Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator has an available 4x4 drivetrain, and it has available Hill Descent Control to keep it from gaining too much speed while traveling downhill. Road Preview is found in the Navigator, too. It works with adaptive suspension to allow the SUV to make the proper adjustments at precisely the right time.

There is a difference in how the driver would shift gears in these vehicles. In the Ford, there's a rotary gear shift dial. In the Lincoln, there's a piano key shifter. It blends in very well into the center console, and all someone has to do is push the appropriate chrome-plated button to get the vehicle into the right gear.

If anyone has plans on towing cargo, the good news is that either of these models is up for the task. The Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds when it has been set up with the right equipment. Boats, campers, and other types of equipment can easily follow along with the Expedition. Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 can be useful when driving in reverse with a trailer, and the blind spot monitoring system can account for the length of a trailer.

The Navigator has the same type of technology that assist with backing up while connected to a trailer. Its Trailer Reverse Guidance program uses seven cameras to provide a good perspective of what's going on behind the vehicle. Notably, the Navigator only has a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. This is still quite a bit of weight, but it's just not as much as what the Expedition can tow.

Lastly, it's not a huge surprise that these vehicles are not very good with efficiency. They can both earn up to 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. Slightly smaller SUVS made by the companies do come in hybrid form, but this ins't the case with these particular vehicles.

Drivability

If someone is getting ready to drive an Expedition or a Navigator and has never done so before, he or she better be ready for an experience. These models are considerably larger than most cars and SUVs, and they're even bigger than some pickup trucks. Parking may be an issue, as would maneuvering in tight spaces.

They have essentially the same frame. They both have a length of 210 inches, with a wheelbase of 122.5 inches. Leg room in the first two rows of the Expedition is very generous. Up front, there's 43.9 inches, and in the middle row, there's 41.5 inches of leg room. The third row isn't as spacious, but it still has 36.1 inches of leg room. This is comparable with second-row leg room in some vehicles, and it ensures that adults can be comfortable riding in the back.

The Navigator has slightly different interior dimensions. It has 42.6 inches of leg room in its second row and 40.9 inches of leg room in its third row. Lincoln clearly made the decision to increase passenger space over what the Expedition offers. It gives the cabin more of an executive feel to it.

As a result, though, the Expedition has a slight advantage when it comes to cargo space. It has a bit more cargo capacity when the third row has been lowered. Both models have more than 100 cubic feet of cargo volume to take advantage of when two rows of seating have been lowered, so there's nothing to be concerned about regarding this.

Customers with higher-than-average budgets are definitely going to want to buy vehicles with high-tech equipment. After all, many have gotten used to having technology become a part of everyday life. Fortunately, the Expedition and Navigator are well-equipped in this area.

The Ford model can have a huge 15.5-inch, vertically-oriented touchscreen. It has split-screen capability and works with the SYNC 4 software. Smartphone compatibility, navigation, and a few other features are included with this system. The standard screen measures 12 inches, so it's still on the larger side, and navigation is standard.

With FordPass Connect, the SUV can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Up to ten devices can connect to this network at the same time. A device could connect to the vehicle's network from as far as 50 feet away. There could be up to eight USB ports in the cabin, and this would be in addition to wireless charging.

To keep people in the back entertained, there's an available rear-seat entertainment system. It comes with dual screens mounted on the headrests of the front-row seats, and it can be used to stream various content and play games. When everyone is enjoying get same music, the driver can turn up the volume. The best sound system that the Ford can come with has 22 Bang & Olufsen speakers, one of which is a subwoofer.

Things are just a bit different in the Lincoln Navigator. First, it can have Alexa Built-In technology. Alexa is very convenient to use, and through the system, someone can look up where gas stations are located, buy items online, communicate with Alexa-compatible devices at home, and more. Ford is beginning to incorporate Alexa into some of its models, but it's not yet available with this version of the Expedition.

The Navigator also uses SYNC 4 technology, and it has a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It's horizontally oriented as opposed to being taller than it is wide. Instead of a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, the Navigator can be upgraded with a Revel Ultima 3D Audio system. It has 28 speakers and three custom listening modes.

Further, the Navigator has a Phone As A Key program. A smartphone can be programmed to act as a key fob. This can free people up when they travel, since they won't have to carry their phone and their keys anymore.

Safety

Technology is used to make both of these vehicles safer. They have a multitude of driver-assist systems in place. They can warn drivers of certain types of issues, and they take things a step further by actually having the potential to correct steering or braking.

Both vehicles can work to prevent frontal collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles. They have standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and they can keep themselves centered in their lanes, thanks to lane keeping assist.

The Expedition has a program called Reverse Sensing. It lets people know when they're about to back up into an object. The Navigator can provide alerts when people are getting too close to objects, too, and it can also hit the brakes in an effort to prevent an accident from occurring.

With the Navigator, adaptive cruise control is standard. This is optional on the Ford Expedition. The Navigator even has Active Glide, which can take control of speed and steering on certain stretches of highway. It can work to reduce fatigue and make sure that everyone stays safe on long road trips.

In addition, both vehicles can be upgraded with Active Park Assist 2.0. This program can actually steer the vehicle into a parking spot. Given the size of these SUVs, this will be appreciated by many drivers.

Which Has the Best Value?

The Ford Expedition is the more affordable option. The first trim in the lineup is actually a two-row mode called the XL STX. It has a starting price of $52,620. All the rest of the Expeditions have three rows of seats, and the cheapest one is the XLT which costs about $56,700. There's actually a Max version of the Expedition that's even longer than the regular Expedition, and that costs a few thousand dollars extra. The highest priced Expedition option is the Platinum Max, which costs a little more than $80,000.

There's a pretty big contrast with the Lincoln Navigator. It starts off with a cost of about $77,000. A mid-level trim costs almost $90,000, and the nicest version available has a price of more than $105,000. The Navigator is also available as a stretched-out version. Those trims are given the "L" designation as part of their name, and they're a bit more expensive than their standard counterparts.

Clearly, someone on a limited budget would have to go with the Expedition over the Navigator. However, what about those that can afford either model? Does the Lincoln Navigator offer so much more that its price is justified? Many would argue that the answer is yes.

Take the standard version of the Navigator. It has high-end features like power-adjustable pedals that have a memory function, in addition to a hands-free liftgate, active noise control, and a heated steering wheel. It has so many advanced components as part of its infotainment system and safety package, and it comes standard with heated and ventilated seats in its first two rows. It has a synthetic leather upholstery that looks like a premium material. The power-deployable running boards are a nice touch, and the parked vehicle even illuminates when it sense that the driver is approaching it.

The Expedition has a lot of great amenities, but its lower trims don't come close in terms of sophistication. Many upgrades are available, but then the price creeps higher and higher, so that it gets closer to the cost of a Navigator.

At the top of the spectrum, the Lincoln Navigator Black Label stands above the competition. It's available with different interior themes, including Yacht Club and Chalet. The theme would influence the kinds of materials that are used to deck out the cabin. Everything is about luxury in these SUVs. Now, the Platinum version of the Expedition has a lot to appreciate, like front seats that offer massage and a premium sound system, but the Navigation has pretty much all of those elements, too.

Which is Better?

Since they're about the same size and run on the same equipment, potential buyers will have to think about style, affordability, safety, and technology. The Expedition is going to be the logical choice for people who want to spend less money, and it's more rugged as well. The Navigator would be the optimal vehicle for anyone who wants to be impressed and treated to an array of amazing features.