2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of trim levels, including Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate, with the latter two featuring a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard on all trims except Essential, where it was an optional upgrade. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with a distinctive grille, stacked lighting elements, and unique fender shapes. Inside, the SUV boasted a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast interior colours, though the materials didn't quite match the high-style design. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were refined.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and a few chrome accents for a classy look. The interior was impressive, with seven colour palettes and a focus on finer details like layered wood trim and a floating centre console. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments for ultimate comfort. While the Navigator's styling was more traditional, it was undeniably luxurious and refined.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's base engine was a 185-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder, which was underwhelming for its weight. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was a better choice, offering improved performance and responsiveness. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and the SUV had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. Fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the turbocharged AWD model consuming 12.0 L/100 km in the city and 9.2 on the highway. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride and decent handling, making it a competent daily driver.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, the Navigator delivered impressive acceleration and responsiveness. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms. However, fuel efficiency was poor, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as refined as some competitors. Despite its size, the Navigator offered a plush and quiet highway experience, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a thoughtfully designed two-row SUV, accommodating five passengers comfortably. It featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar support and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was spacious, with reclining options and heated cushions in higher trims. However, cargo space was limited, with 1,017 litres behind the rear seat and 2,019 litres in total. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature, opening automatically when the key fob was detected nearby.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space for up to eight passengers, with power-folding third-row seats and optional captain's chairs in the second row. Cargo capacity was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 behind the second, and 2,925 in total. The Navigator L model provided even more space. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with a high driving position for excellent visibility. However, parking was challenging due to its size, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen display, stereo control knobs, and shortcut buttons. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included features like a surround-view camera, navigation, and a premium sound system. The head-up display provided useful information, and the voice recognition system was sophisticated and responsive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer models. While it included Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition, but lacked onboard apps and wireless updates. The rear entertainment system offered various connectivity options, and the drive mode animations were a nice touch.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a safe choice, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and a Blind View Monitor. The ultrasonic occupant alert system was a standout feature, providing alerts if a child or pet was left in the vehicle.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it lacked knee airbags. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.