2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out as a luxurious flagship SUV, distinguished by its unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers incorporated distinct front and rear styling, along with the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, which sequentially illuminated the vehicle to welcome its owner. The Navigator featured a 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 leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a panoramic glass roof that filled the cabin with natural light.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to evoke the spirit of the traditional Mustang coupe through its exterior styling, despite being an electric SUV. It featured thin headlights, a long hood, and a large oval grille, with taillights reminiscent of the original Mustang. The interior was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel similar to Tesla vehicles. While the materials were of decent quality, the lack of a leather-upholstery option might have disappointed some buyers. The First Edition models offered unique trim elements, but the main appeal was their early production status.

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 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. While acceleration was strong, the engine note lacked the V8 rumble some might desire. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average of 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator excelled on open roads, though its size made it feel cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrain configurations, with the AWD GT Performance Edition being the most potent, producing 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque. Our test car featured a lower-level AWD powertrain, delivering 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension compromised ride quality. The Mach-E featured three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—with minimal differences between them. One-pedal driving and regenerative braking were also available.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space for passengers to stretch out. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the ideal settings took time. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with triple-zone climate control ensuring comfort across all rows. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were impressive, with the standard-length model offering up to 2,928 litres, while the longer Navigator L provided up to 3,407 litres.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had packaging more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was low, and the roofline didn't create a spacious feel. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E fell short on interior space, with less headroom and legroom. Cargo space was also less, with 1,690 litres available with the second row folded. The Mach-E featured a 133-litre front trunk and a decent-sized storage bin between the front seats, along with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive technology, taking time to load content. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked reasonably well, though it wasn't as natural as some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included 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.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates. The main touchscreen measured 15.5 inches, while the instrument cluster was 10.2 inches. The screen's design was text-heavy and unattractive, with touchscreen icons and sliders handling climate controls. Premium, GT, and First Edition models included a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The Mach-E's technology suite was comprehensive, but the screen's layout could have been more user-friendly.

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 adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS hadn't tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top ratings for crash testing. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways. This feature would be available via OTA update for a fee. The Mach-E's adaptive cruise control and lane centring were smooth and reliable.