2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that distinguished it from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers crafted unique front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator's lattice-type grille, illuminated Lincoln star, and full-width taillights were distinctive design hallmarks. Inside, the Navigator offered a leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a panoramic glass roof that enhanced the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered six different versions, each with unique styling cues. The base LS and LT trims had different grille patterns, while the sporty RST featured a blacked-out appearance and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim was designed for off-roading with a skid plate and all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels. The Tahoe's styling was more subtle compared to its predecessor, with a focus on larger wheels to enhance its appearance. Inside, the Tahoe featured a larger 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, though the control layout was less intuitive.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive were standard, with multiple drive modes to tailor the powertrain to various driving conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Despite its size, the Navigator offered strong acceleration and excellent body motion control, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 exclusive to the High Country with 420 horsepower, and a turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission was standard, with rear-wheel drive on base trims and four-wheel drive available. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached 3,810 kilograms, and the new independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its off-road capabilities and smooth ride, while the V8 engines provided ample power and a satisfying rumble.

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 were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the right settings took time. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with a large centre console available. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were impressive, with up to 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase Navigator L.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a power sliding storage console. The second row offered a bench or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third row provided improved comfort for adults, and cargo space was substantial, with up to 3,480 litres available. The Tahoe's interior was versatile, with features like a rear-seat media system and a power sliding console.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, 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 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and over-the-air updates. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The test vehicle included a mid-grade Bose audio system and a Rear Seat Media system, though it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance system was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.