2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its segment. The large logo on the grille, though oversized, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by sharp lines, including an upper character line that swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, creating a sporty spoiler-like appearance. Inside, the RDX boasted a stylish cabin with red leather upholstery that contrasted beautifully with the black interior, offering a luxurious feel. The RDX came well-equipped with features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, making it a strong contender in the small luxury SUV market.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its chrome accents and unique design elements, such as the Lincoln Embrace lighting system and a lattice-type grille. The Navigator's exterior was further distinguished by fender vents and full-width taillights, while black roof pillars gave the glass a wraparound look. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. The cabin was bathed in natural light from the panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials were used throughout. The Navigator's design and features positioned it as a luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a pleasing engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, which enhanced both performance and fuel efficiency. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The RDX excelled in handling and comfort, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, though it lacked the distinctive V8 rumble. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, to suit different driving conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive at 3,764 kilograms, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. However, its fuel efficiency was less favourable, with an average of 14.3 L/100 km. The Navigator excelled on open roads, offering a smooth ride, though its size made it less maneuverable in tight spaces.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large door pockets and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo area provided 835 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with the seats folded down, and up to 2,260 litres of maximum capacity. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a convenient load floor height and additional storage compartments.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered exceptional comfort and space. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly adjustable, and the second row could be configured with either a bench or captain's chairs. The Navigator's third row provided unmatched legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard model offering 592 litres behind the third row, 1,628 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,928 litres. The longer Navigator L model offered even more space, making it a top choice for those needing ample cargo capacity.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchpad interface complicated their use. The RDX came with standard tech features like Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Tech grade added navigation and the ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured the ELS Studio 3D system with 16 speakers. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load, but it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The system's voice recognition was functional but not as advanced as some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing an excellent listening experience. Additional tech features included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, a rear-view camera, and driver-assistance systems like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping system was effective. The Navigator received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.