2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. It featured unique front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator's design was further enhanced by a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern styled dashboard, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a distinct visual appeal with a unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was upgraded with quilted Nappa leather and a suede headliner, making it appear more expensive than its price suggested. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but its luxurious interior and attention to detail made it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, to tailor the driving experience. It boasted a towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms and featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, along with a Snow mode for improved traction. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Its firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not necessarily fun. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, with power running boards for easier access. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort, though finding the right settings took time. The Navigator's 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 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, and a more accommodating third row. The Palisade offered ample in-cabin storage and a hands-free Smart Liftgate for easy cargo access. Cargo space measured up to 2,447 litres with the second and third rows folded.

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 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. The Navigator also featured a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen. It included SiriusXM, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and wireless smartphone charging. The Palisade also had a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display with blind-spot warnings.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and a rear occupant alert system. It also offered Highway Driving Assist for lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.