2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, presented a sporty yet understated aesthetic. Its design changes were subtle, avoiding excessive blacked-out trim or traditional performance cues, which conveyed a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. The RDX was not designed for off-roading, as evidenced by the absence of oversized skid plates or bulging fender flares, making it ideal for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim, priced at $50,305, offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing its athletic appeal. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, with a body-colour grille and a few chrome accents, maintaining a classy appearance. The Pristine White model, with its illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's interior was luxurious, it lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, delivered a fun driving experience with improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, enhancing the RDX's performance characteristics. However, the A-Spec trim lacked adaptive dampers, resulting in some body motion on uneven roads. Despite this, the RDX's turbo engine, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes made it rewarding to drive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, provided impressive acceleration and responsiveness. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was poor, and the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. While the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, its steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade.

The Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. Its front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need to maximize utility, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX's cargo space was competitive, with 835 litres behind the rear seat and a maximum of 2,260 litres when the rear seats were folded. Despite its modest official cargo volume, the RDX's trunk was accommodating, with useful storage compartments.

The Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. Its boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, but it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. However, parking the Navigator was challenging due to its size, despite the presence of 360-degree cameras.

The Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console. While this system was an improvement over Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim came with a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator's software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. It also featured wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts were available for the second row, providing additional safety.