2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI Technik, featured standard 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated interior adorned with Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays. The cabin was high-tech, boasting Audi’s Virtual Cockpit with three digital displays, replacing most physical controls. The ambient lighting added a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the upscale feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, with a body-colour grille and a few chrome accents. The Pristine White test model, with its illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing a luxurious experience for occupants.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro AWD system. The SUV accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a towing capacity of nearly 3,500 kilograms. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system contributed to fuel efficiency, with the Q7 averaging 11.2 L/100 km during testing. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, enhancing the vehicle’s agility and comfort.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The Navigator’s towing capacity was impressive at 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less favourable, averaging 13.8 L/100 km. The adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as some competitors. The Navigator excelled in highway refinement, with its quiet cabin and powerful engine making long journeys enjoyable.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space significantly when in use. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased to 1,010 litres, and with both rows down, it reached 1,970 litres. The Q7’s interior was comfortable for a family of four, with heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and door-panel bins offering minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided ample space, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating six adults comfortably. The third-row middle seat was best for children, and the second-row captain’s chairs were standard. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, though parking the large SUV was challenging despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Technik trim offered a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though Audi later upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen system for 2021.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator’s 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer competitors. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming. Drive mode animations added a touch of flair, and the Revel Ultima audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology was problematic, occasionally applying brakes unnecessarily. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights, which were rated "poor" due to excessive glare.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator earned five stars overall 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 provided additional protection, though adaptive cruise control was less advanced than some competitors.