2020 Ford Escape vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Ford Escape was a striking compact crossover, borrowing its large grille from the outgoing Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, with headlights inspired by the Ford GT supercar. Its design was more curvaceous than its predecessor, which had a more upright rear end. Despite this change, the Escape remained one of the most attractive small SUVs, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape boasted a modern cabin that balanced forward-looking design with practical controls. The test model featured a fully digital instrument panel, a floating infotainment screen, and a sleek, contemporary design.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from mainstream models like the Ford Expedition. The Navigator's unique styling included a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a welcoming touch. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials enhanced the luxurious feel, making the Navigator a convincing flagship SUV.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of engine options, including a new three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, standard in the S, SE, and SEL trims. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, delivered 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The Escape also featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid setup generating 198 horsepower. The Escape's sporty handling, direct steering, and strong brakes contributed to its athletic feel. The hybrid version was the most fuel-efficient, with consumption figures of 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.3 on the highway.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, came with a single engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, tailoring the powertrain to different driving conditions. With a towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms, the Navigator excelled in towing capabilities, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, though its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design came at the cost of cargo space, offering 974 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the rear seats folded. This was less than its predecessor and competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the Escape prioritized passenger space, providing ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers. The front seats offered commanding positions with good visibility, and the cabin featured numerous storage solutions for everyday use.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional interior space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the optional Luxury Package, offered unparalleled comfort, though finding the perfect settings took time. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row provided ample legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard model offering 592 litres behind the third row and up to 2,928 litres with seats folded. The longer Navigator L increased these figures significantly, making it a top choice for those needing maximum space.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base model featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, while the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, though its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The Sync system was praised for its functionality, allowing multitasking with Apple CarPlay.

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. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Ford Escape came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.