When it comes to choosing between the 2023 Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator, luxury is the key differentiating factor. But is all that added luxury worth it when you could get a very similar SUV for so much less? The Lincoln Navigator has always impressed drivers with a standard trim that offers a host of luxurious features. The Expedition is the embodiment of the classic reliability that Ford is renowned for. When you put these two SUV’s features up against each other, we feel as if the added upgrade isn’t always worth it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Both the Expedition and the Navigator provide plenty of space, with the Expedition matching the Navigator's capacity.
- The Navigator's base trim comes with high-quality leather and overall, more enhanced features at a standard level, providing a limousine-like experience.
- Both SUVs offer identical mileage, ensuring efficient performance.
- Despite the Navigator having an engine that has the better horsepower, the Expedition can tow more weight.
POWER: WHAT MATTERS TO YOU MOST?
The luxury features of the Navigator extend to its engine as well. Surprisingly, both vehicles share the same type of engine—a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. And while the Navigator does boast the higher torque and produces more horsepower, with a maximum of around 450 compared to the Expedition's 400, the difference in power isn't that substantial at the end of the day for a car that costs $20,000 more. Most drivers won't find the Navigator's higher price justifiable for a slight increase in horsepower.
If that weren’t enough, the Expedition outperforms the Navigator in towing capacity, on the less horsepower engine. This makes it so much more practical and suitable for daily use. The Expedition can handle up to 9,300 pounds, while the Navigator maxes out at 8,700 pounds. If you plan on doing a lot of heavy towing, bringing the fancy Navigator around may not be the best choice for the job. The Ford offers a little more peace of mind when taking your SUV to some dirty jobs.
INTERIOR DESIGN: EXPEDITION VS. NAVIGATOR
The Navigator's interior stands out as one of the most luxurious among 2023 SUVs, period. The Navigator radiates luxury right from the start and features standard upscale interiors with a user-friendly infotainment system - among the largest available at 13.2 inches. Riding in a Navigator feels akin to traveling in a limousine, thanks to its spacious rear and comfortable leather interior.
However, if you're in the market for a new car, the Expedition proves to be the more sensible choice for most drivers that are planning on using their SUV every day for work, whether it be hauling, towing, or carrying lots of passengers. It offers features of comparable luxury with comfortable and clean cabin space and doesn't explicitly brand itself as a luxury SUV. For instance, it provides nearly the same head and neck room for backseat passengers, falling only an inch short of the Navigator. Some of the upholstery options that the Expedition has is better suited for getting dirty and cleaning more often. The Expedition also offers significantly more cargo space, with 63.6 cubic feet compared to the Navigator's 20.9 cubic feet.
SIMILAR FEATURES AT A HIGHER PRICE
Considering the higher price tags of the Navigator, you’d probably expect to get all the features 2023 has to offer in entertainment and technology. And while the Navigator does offer impressive features such as larger doors, retractable step rails, and slide second-row seating, many of the discernable feature differences stop there. The Expedition, in its various trim levels, provides buyers with the same great features the Navigator has, including blind spot monitoring, driver attention alerts, and forward collision warnings. It even offers the option of a 360 cam and pedestrian camera in its higher trim levels, like what the Navigator offers. The main difference here is Ford allows buyers to choose which features are most important to them, rather than making everything standard.
THE WINNER: 2023 FORD EXPEDITION
While the Navigator is undoubtedly a great luxury SUV, we ultimately choose the 2023 Ford Expedition for our choice as the better option. The price of the Expedition is nearly $20,000 lower, and for that, you’re getting a huge array of features and a work-oriented vehicle. It is perfect for most families and gets the job done while keeping options in mind.