2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied across trims, with the TRD Pro boasting blacked-out accents and the Limited featuring chrome. The Canadian lineup was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including the Limited package, which aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these features, the 4Runner Limited retained its utilitarian DNA, with a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its chrome and brightwork, differentiating it from the Ford Expedition on which it was based. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system welcomed owners with sequential illumination, while the lattice-type grille and illuminated star logo added to its distinctiveness. The Navigator's design included Lincoln-specific elements like fender vents and full-width taillights, with black roof pillars creating a wraparound glass appearance. In Canada, it was available in the Reserve trim with standard 4WD. The interior, enhanced by the Luxury Package, featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a mid-century modern-styled dashboard, and a wide storage console. Digital instrumentation, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a panoramic glass roof added to its luxurious feel, making it a convincing flagship SUV.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with consumption rated at 14.8 L/100 km in the city and 12.5 L/100 km on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and heavy steering, making it feel like a blast from the past.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, and had a towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms (8,300 pounds) with Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, though its fuel efficiency was rated at 14.3 L/100 km. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and body motion control provided a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. Inside, it featured large, chunky knobs for controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall front seat position provided a commanding view, though climbing in and out could be tiring without power-retractable running boards. The optional third row was best for short, occasional use, with narrow and thin jump seats lacking legroom and comfort.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up to enter, but once inside, it offered ample room for passengers. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were also class-leading, with the standard model offering up to 2,928 litres and the longer Navigator L offering up to 3,407 litres.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, the onboard navigation system was less efficient than Google Maps. The 4Runner also included Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. However, it lagged behind competitors in terms of features and usability, with the most advanced features hidden in the powertrain.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, 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 smartphones to function as vehicle keys. 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 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it scored three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was effective. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.