2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers gave it unique front and rear styling, complemented by the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that welcomed owners with sequential illumination. The Navigator featured a distinctive lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, all contributing to its upscale appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, creating a sophisticated and high-quality environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The Durango SRT Hellcat model, in particular, showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, enhancing its aggressive look. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colours, allowing for personalization. Inside, the Durango featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system, providing a modern and user-friendly interface. The cabin's design was functional, with options for leather and suede upholstery, adding a touch of sophistication.

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 like Conserve, Normal, and Excite, tailoring the powertrain to various driving conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its size, the Navigator offered strong acceleration, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from a 3.6-litre V6 to a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, with horsepower ranging from 293 to 710. The Durango SRT Hellcat's 710 hp engine provided impressive power, controlled smoothly by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, with a stable ride thanks to the "Tow" drive mode's 50/50 AWD torque distribution. SRT models offered Performance Pages for track enthusiasts, providing detailed performance data.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, with optional 30-way Perfect Position front seats providing exceptional comfort. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row offered ample legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was class-leading, with up to 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase Navigator L. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, with seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, while the third row offered more room than many competitors. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly. The Durango's midsize packaging made it a versatile choice for families, balancing comfort and practicality.

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 for keyless entry and start. 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 Dodge Durango featured the new Uconnect 5 system, five times faster than its predecessor, with user profiles, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. A rear-seat family entertainment system was available, and SRT models received unique infotainment and instrument cluster designs. The TomTom navigation system was a standout feature, offering clear graphics and quick responses.

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 Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features, with only a back-up camera as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a four-star front crash and rollover rating from the NHTSA.