2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its blacked-out trim and sporty features, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator exuded luxury and sophistication, setting itself apart with unique styling elements and the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The Navigator's design included a lattice-type grille, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights, creating a distinct and upscale look. The interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and mid-century modern styling cues. The Navigator's spacious cabin, with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats and panoramic glass roof, provided a truly luxurious experience. Overall, the Navigator's look and feel made it a convincing flagship SUV, offering a level of luxury that the Explorer struggled to match.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engine options, with the ST trim standing out for its performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive chassis provided balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling and ride quality. The Explorer ST was nimble and responsive, with excellent cornering and braking capabilities. Other engine options included a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 300 hp and a hybrid variant with a net 318 hp. Towing capacity varied, with the V6 AWD model capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds. The Explorer also offered seven drive modes for different driving conditions.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with a single engine choice, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a subtle yet aggressive engine note. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and multiple drive modes tailored the powertrain to various driving situations. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, the Navigator excelled in towing capabilities, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and body motion control offered a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads with smooth pavement.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, making it suitable for long road trips. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing passenger comfort. The third row was more spacious than previous models, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. However, cargo space was slightly reduced, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's interior was user-friendly, with physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, though visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional interior space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly adjustable, and the second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs with a center console. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were impressive, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Navigator's interior was luxurious, with triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving features, though it was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The Reserve's Luxury Package featured 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, though the test vehicle lacked the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning with trailer coverage. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover resistance rating was three stars with RWD. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.