2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtle yet refined, with its trapezoidal theme evident in various elements like the tailgate, headlights, and grille. The vehicle's exterior was marked by its slanted tailgate glass and pronounced body panel creases, giving it a modern touch. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum featured LED running lamps and 20-inch alloy wheels, adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the Highlander boasted a well-crafted cabin with quality fit and finish. The interior was adorned with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash, complemented by an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures, making it one of the nicest in its class, rivaling even the Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from mainstream models. The Navigator's exterior was highlighted by a lattice-type grille and an illuminated Lincoln star, along with unique fender vents and full-width taillights. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a welcoming touch. Inside, the Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, especially with the Luxury Package's 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The dashboard featured mid-century modern styling, and the panoramic glass roof enhanced the interior's ambiance. The Navigator's high-quality materials and attention to detail made it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Highlander provided smooth and quiet acceleration, akin to the Lexus RX. Its eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently utilized the engine's power, though it required a firm foot for kickdowns. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride reminiscent of older Buicks. Despite its size, the Highlander offered a calming driving experience, especially on long trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly different figures, and the hybrid variant excelled with a combined 6.7 L/100 km.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, the Navigator offered strong acceleration and a subtle engine note. Its multiple drive modes tailored the powertrain to various conditions, and the SUV's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was noticeable on rough roads. Around town, the Navigator felt large, but features like a tight turning radius and parking assist improved maneuverability. Fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 14.3 L/100 km on the testing loop.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second row was versatile, with ample legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were user-friendly, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seat heights. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control, with upper trims offering a panoramic moonroof and heated second-row seats. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,378 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The Highlander also featured practical storage solutions, like integrated dash shelves and multiple cupholders.

In comparison, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered abundant space and comfort. The optional Luxury Package's 30-way front seats were highly adjustable, and the second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs. The Navigator's third row provided exceptional legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard model offering up to 2,928 litres and the longer Navigator L providing even more space. The Navigator's interior was designed for maximum comfort and convenience, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Platinum trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. The Highlander's semi-automated driving system was effective, and adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams were standard. The JBL audio system on higher trims was decent, and the vehicle offered various connectivity options, including WiFi and USB ports.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load, but it offered a range of features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The system's voice recognition was functional but not as advanced as some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing an immersive listening experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, enhancing the Navigator's tech offerings.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's safety features operated with refinement, and the vehicle received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.