2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, with minimal changes that were well-received. The vehicle featured a bold grille and sleek headlights, moving away from the outdated "beak" grille of earlier models. The large logo on the grille, although oversized, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a swooping upper character line and a spoiler-like rear design. Inside, the cabin boasted sharp styling with red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black contrast. The RDX came well-equipped with features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual elements and sportier interior features, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered additional luxury touches.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. Its design was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with a body-colour grille and subtle chrome accents. The Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. The Navigator's interior impressed with its attention to detail, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, minimalist design. The Perfect Position seats provided exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustability. While the Navigator's materials and build quality were commendable, it lacked the opulence of some competitors. Nevertheless, it offered a refined and powerful driving experience, making it a worthy contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The vehicle's handling was exceptional, offering a comfortable yet dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a thrilling engine sound. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, the Navigator offered smooth and responsive performance. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, the Navigator's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. While the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, its handling and ride quality were not as controlled as some competitors.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided ample headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large water bottle holders and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo space was generous, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded. The load floor was easily accessible, and a hidden cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a cavernous interior, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with an optional bench for eight passengers. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its impressive cargo capacity, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage space. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustability and massage functions. However, parking the large SUV could be challenging despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. While it featured a vivid widescreen display, the touchpad interface was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the touchpad negated their simplicity. The Tech grade added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec offered an even more impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford but with a unique Lincoln skin. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, but the system lacked onboard apps and wireless updates. The Navigator featured wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming.

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 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.