2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing both its interior and exterior. The updates were not minor, as the styling changes allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus models, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle was updated with a new shape, dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed cabin with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. Various interior colour and material combinations were available, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. The interior was luxurious yet practical, with leather-wrapped surfaces and a hardy design suitable for family use. However, the centre stack's design was considered dated, lacking the modern style of newer models.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator distinguished itself from its Ford Expedition platform with unique front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that welcomed owners. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights. In Canada, it was available in the Reserve trim with standard four-wheel drive and two body styles: standard-wheelbase and long-wheelbase Navigator L. The interior, enhanced by the Luxury Package, boasted 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The dashboard featured mid-century modern styling, digital instrumentation, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and piano-key transmission controls. A panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials added to the luxurious feel. The Navigator's design and features made it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It delivered 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the three-row RX 350 L models were slightly less powerful at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid version combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid models featured an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered impressive fuel efficiency, with the RX 450h using 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it provided a smooth and connected driving experience. The RX F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility. Drivers could choose from various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids. The RX 350 delivered a smooth throttle response and shifting, with standard AWD ensuring stability in most driving situations.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional trailer towing package adding Slow Climb mode. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms and included Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, with a subtle engine note. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, but impact harshness was noticeable with 22-inch wheels. The SUV excelled on open roads, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a challenge, but features like a tight turning radius, parking assist, and camera views improved maneuverability.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was spacious in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than its rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on some models.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The Luxury Package's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with optional audio controls and a centre console. Triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats ensured comfort across all rows. The Navigator's third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were also 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 measurements significantly.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, with limited customization options. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Bluetooth, provided workarounds. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and various music and navigation apps. The centre console touchpad system was improved but still not perfect. The RX included six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load, but a new Sync 4 platform was expected to improve this. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well but required specific command pathways. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with three listening profiles. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360, a collection of advanced driver assistance systems. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance operated smoothly. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.