2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and straightforward design that some might have considered dull. However, such simplicity often aged well, making it a practical choice for those planning to keep their SUV for many years. The King Ranch variant stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added a touch of elegance, although the taillight shape and the body-coloured roof C-pillar were points of contention. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastics, especially in lower trims, was a drawback.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator differentiated itself with luxurious chrome and brightwork, setting it apart from its Ford Expedition counterpart. The Navigator featured unique front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, a lattice-type grille, and full-width taillights. The black roof pillars created a wraparound glass appearance, enhancing its premium look. Inside, the Navigator boasted a mid-century modern dashboard, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and high-quality materials throughout. The panoramic glass roof and digital instrumentation added to its luxurious feel, making it a convincing flagship SUV.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's 4WD system was standard in Canada, offering a ground clearance of 24.9 cm, except for the MAX version, which had 24.6 cm. Towing capacities were impressive, with the standard model pulling 4,173 kg and the MAX version 4,082 kg. The Expedition's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, though the oversized wheels sometimes affected ride comfort. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km city, 10.6 highway, and 12.5 combined.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered strong acceleration and a subtle engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system included multiple drive modes, enhancing its adaptability to various driving conditions. With a towing capacity of 3,764 kg, the Navigator's Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified trailer manoeuvring. Fuel efficiency was slightly lower, averaging 14.3 L/100 km. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though it struggled with impact harshness on rough roads.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. Power running boards facilitated entry, and the interior offered comfortable seating, especially in the front with heated and ventilated seats. The King Ranch's second-row captain's chairs provided first-class comfort, and the third-row seat was genuinely accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 971 litres in the MAX version. Folding the seats expanded cargo capacity significantly, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space and comfort. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel ensured a tailored driving experience. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row provided exceptional legroom and support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with 592 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 1,019 litres in the Navigator L. The Navigator's spacious interior and cargo capacity made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, with its 8-inch touchscreen, was functional but lacked the modernity of newer systems. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Bang & Olufsen sound system and rear-seat entertainment were highlights, while Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a valuable feature for towing enthusiasts.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 system was similarly outdated, but it included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" feature allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided an immersive experience, and additional technologies like a surround-view camera and head-up display enhanced convenience and safety.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's safety was bolstered by its size and weight, offering protection in collisions. Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of safety features, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360, with similar safety technologies, including pedestrian detection and trailer coverage. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance operated smoothly. The Navigator received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, underscoring its safety credentials.