2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

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, along with 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 environment. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials further enhanced the luxurious feel, making the Navigator a true flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 adopted a rugged exterior design, reminiscent of traditional SUVs, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its bold appearance, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models. The RAV4 Trail model added retro touches like an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road package included matte black alloy wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, but material quality didn't match the price of higher trims.

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, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive ensured smooth power delivery, with multiple drive modes like Conserve, Normal, and Excite tailoring the driving experience. The Navigator boasted a towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. While acceleration was strong, the engine lacked the V8 rumble some might desire. Fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite its size, the Navigator offered excellent body motion control, though it was best suited for open roads.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 offered a "Sport" mode, but it only added weight to the steering. On the highway, the RAV4 excelled with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in Trail and TRD Off-Road models, with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the RAV4's off-road prowess was limited by its lack of traditional off-roading features.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space and comfort. The optional Luxury Package included 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row options included a bench or captain's chairs with a centre console. The third row provided exceptional 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 maximum comfort and convenience, making it a top choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided competitive headroom and visibility, but legroom was slightly lacking. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,977 litres available with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was limited. While the RAV4 offered practicality, it didn't match the luxury and spaciousness of the Navigator.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its weakest point, with slow loading times. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided an immersive experience. Additional features included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, enhancing the Navigator's tech offerings.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked excitement. The RAV4 Prime offered a head-up display, but the gasoline model did not. While the RAV4's tech was straightforward, it didn't stand out in the crowded market.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS hadn't tested it. The Navigator's safety features and robust build made it a secure choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. The RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. While the RAV4 offered a comprehensive safety package, it faced competition from other brands with similar offerings.