2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. Its design connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the platform was a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. A refresh was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT, each with distinct features ranging from basic amenities to luxury touches and performance enhancements.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator distinguished itself with chrome and brightwork, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition but featuring unique front and rear styling. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system and a lattice-type grille with an illuminated star were standout design elements. In Canada, the Navigator was available in the Reserve trim with standard four-wheel drive. The interior boasted a luxurious feel with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a mid-century modern dashboard, and high-quality materials. The Navigator's design and features positioned it as a luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, with Dodge SRT performance pages for detailed engine status and drive mode customization.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive were standard. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain to various driving conditions, and the Navigator's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms. Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified trailer maneuvering. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, though the engine note lacked the V8 rumble. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average of 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator excelled on open roads, with excellent body motion control and maneuverability aided by a tight turning radius and parking assist systems.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 490 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,351 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,393 litres with both the second and third rows down. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms. The cabin provided ample space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was more suitable for children. The Durango featured multiple storage options for the driver and front passenger.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space. The optional Luxury Package included 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with a large centre console available. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were impressive, with the standard model offering up to 2,928 litres and the longer Navigator L providing up to 3,407 litres. The Navigator excelled in passenger comfort and cargo space.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems. The semi-digital instrument panel was user-friendly, with a directional pad on the steering wheel for easy navigation.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The voice recognition system was functional but not as advanced as some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were standard, with front sensors available on higher trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score from the IIHS for driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were refined and effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.