2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and angular redesign from the previous year, continued to set the standard for compact SUVs. It offered a rugged appearance that matched its proven durability. The Trail trim, known for its off-roading capabilities, featured a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The TRD Off-Road package further enhanced its off-road prowess with specialized suspension, all-terrain tires, and distinctive styling elements. Inside, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road combined practicality with comfort, featuring TRD logos, rubber mats, and quality materials, although some plastic elements appeared less refined.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, distancing itself from its Ford Expedition roots. Its design was characterized by simple rectilinear shapes, chrome accents, and a Monochromatic Package that added a touch of class. The interior was a testament to luxury, with seven colour palettes and meticulous attention to detail. The Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30-way adjustability. While the Navigator's ride wasn't as refined as some competitors, its powerful presence and plush cabin made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of power and luxury.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower, but the TRD Off-Road package was exclusive to the non-hybrid model. The RAV4's eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated in gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 21.8 cm of ground clearance, making it adept at handling challenging terrains. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 remained practical for daily use, with a comfortable ride and efficient fuel consumption, averaging 10.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and towing capacity of 3,765 kg. While its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging 13.8 L/100 km, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement. Its adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as smooth as some competitors. The Navigator's steering and braking lacked the precision of rivals, but its overall power and luxury made it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, with a low and sporty driving position. The interior featured SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample rear legroom. Generous interior storage and a versatile cargo area, with 1,062 litres behind the rear seats and 1,974 litres with them folded, added to its practicality. Roof rails and a roof rack further extended its utility.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers. Its boxy design maximized cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats offered exceptional comfort with extensive adjustability. While parking was challenging due to its size, the Navigator's large windows and high driving position aided visibility.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's voice recognition was notably accurate, and upgrades included a JBL premium sound system and a 360-degree camera. Wireless smartphone charging and a digital rear-view mirror added to its tech appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt dated compared to newer competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The Navigator's software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition, but it lacked onboard apps and wireless updates. Wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming were available.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator earned five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety.