2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced initially in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. By 2015, the second generation of the Edge had arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite the fresh styling, Ford lagged behind competitors like Honda and Toyota, who typically redesigned their vehicles every six years. The Edge's design, with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, gave it a crossover version of the Fusion's appearance. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with minor updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by the use of hard plastics.

The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features. The SE trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL trim added LED fog lights and synthetic leather upholstery, while the Titanium trim offered genuine leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The ST trim, the performance variant, featured a more powerful engine and sportier styling.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, was a luxury SUV that shared its platform with the Ford Expedition but distinguished itself with unique styling and features. The Navigator's design emphasized elegance and understatement, with rectilinear shapes defining its grille, windows, and headlights. The interior was impressive, offering seven colour palettes and high-quality materials. The Perfect Position seats could adjust in 30 different ways, providing exceptional comfort. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo, and the vehicle's overall refinement and power were notable.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, making it suitable for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, offering a balance between comfort and engagement. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST's performance was enhanced by a Sport mode, which improved throttle response and transmission mapping.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, provided the Navigator with quick acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was poor, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a less refined ride compared to competitors, and its steering and brakes lacked the precision found in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, and the Edge's cargo space was impressive, with 1,110 litres behind the rear seats and 2,078 litres with the seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The SUV's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve trim included heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and provided excellent comfort, while the large windows and high driving position offered great visibility.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and a helpful home button. The Edge also came with two smart-charging USB ports and a semi-digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer models. While it included Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. The software was intuitive, though slightly slow in response.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts and adaptive cruise control.