2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

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 welcomed owners with a sequential illumination. The lattice-type grille, illuminated Lincoln star, and full-width taillights were distinctive design elements. Inside, the Navigator offered a leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator aimed for elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. It shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition but distinguished itself with simple rectilinear shapes and a few chrome accents. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille and black wheels was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's materials and panel gaps were commendable, it lacked the sumptuousness of some competitors.

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 for various conditions. It had a towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms and featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer handling. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, though it lacked the V8 rumble. Fuel efficiency averaged 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres, and the ride was firm on imperfect roads, despite adaptive damping suspension.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator shared the same engine, offering impressive power and a satisfying engine note. It also featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity remained at 3,765 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was similar, with an average of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. While the adaptive dampers were standard, the ride was less refined compared to competitors. The Navigator excelled on highways, offering a plush and quiet cabin, but lacked the handling precision of some rivals.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space. 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 optional audio controls. The third row provided excellent legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was class-leading, with up to 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase model.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered generous space for six adults, with a possible total of eight passengers. The boxy design maximized cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres in the long-wheelbase version. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The second row featured heated seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features found in competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, providing excellent visibility. Parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

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 system's voice recognition worked reasonably well, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

In the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, the 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, though slow in reaction. The Navigator featured wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than some competitors.