2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum trim was engineered to exude a sense of luxury and sophistication. Upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, the six passengers—each with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack—could immediately appreciate the plush, roomy confines of this SUV. However, the Expedition Platinum fell short in one area: it couldn’t accommodate all the luggage, forcing one passenger to hold their suitcase on their lap during the 40-mile drive to the suburbs.

The Platinum trim was the pinnacle of the Expedition lineup, starting at $74,375 MSRP, and available with a variety of configurations including a standard-length and extended-length MAX version, which added $2,000 to the price but was worth the investment for the increased cargo capacity. Our fully equipped test vehicle included Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, electronic limited-slip differential, and second-row captain’s chairs, bringing the total price to $80,510.

Upon unlocking the SUV, power-deploying running boards and a powered rear liftgate added a touch of modernity. The intricately designed chrome grille and massive 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels screamed for attention, making the Expedition Platinum a striking presence on the road. Nevertheless, the vehicle's inability to haul luggage adequately highlighted a crucial flaw. This issue could have easily been resolved with the extended-length MAX version or the standard 40/20/40-split folding second-row bench seat instead of the captain’s chairs.

Upon reaching home, the Expedition’s leather-lined interior and expansive cabin space served the six-person crew quite well. However, the reliance on hard plastic in some areas was a reminder that despite the Platinum's high price tag, it shared elements with the previous-generation F-150 pickup truck. For those seeking a more premium experience, the Lincoln Navigator was the superior option.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator got rid of its reputation as a dressed-up Ford Expedition by showcasing a distinct character. While it shared the overall footprint and side glass with the Expedition, almost everything else about the Navigator spoke of luxury and elegance. Our Navigator Reserve test vehicle was priced at $92,000 MSRP and demonstrated that luxury options from Ford could stand toe-to-toe with brands like Mercedes and Range Rover.

The Pristine White exterior with a monochromatic body-color grille, black wheels, and an illuminated Lincoln logo was nothing short of eye-catching. When unlocking or locking the remote, the vehicle provided a choreographed light show, adding an element of theatrical flair.

Inside, the minimalist yet elegant interior featured seven color palettes, with the Slate Gray trim displaying a penchant for finer details. The layers of wood trim, the push-button gear selector, floating center console, and minimalist digital instrument panel gave the cabin a high-end, contemporary feel. Panel gaps were tight, and material quality was excellent.

The Black Label trims took things up a notch with more luxurious textures and soft leather coverings on the dash and door tops. The Perfect Position seats could adjust in 30 different ways, making them both extravagant and highly functional. While the Navigator didn't ride as smoothly over rough pavement as some of its competitors, it excelled in refinement, power, and comfort, making it a heavyweight contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2021 Ford Expedition lineup carried a potent twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine output varied depending on the trim level, offering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most trims, whereas the Platinum trim enjoyed a slight boost to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.

The towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, with the Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology making trailer maneuvering a breeze. The Expedition's engine provided impressive acceleration, maintaining a pleasant, albeit less resonant, engine note compared to a V8. The 10-speed automatic transmission and responsive brake and steering systems ensured a seamless driving experience.

On the downside, the ride quality on the Platinum trim suffered due to its 22-inch wheels. Though the adaptive damping suspension was standard, the shorter-sidewall tires transmitted substantial road shock. The four-wheel independent suspension, however, ensured the Expedition felt stable and well-planted on the road. While the FX4 Off-Road Package added significant off-road capability to the XLT and Limited models, our Platinum variant remained on the pavement, achieving an average fuel economy of 17.1 mpg, close to the EPA's rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator harnessed the power of the same twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 found in the Ford Raptor. This engine delivered a robust 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, making the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size while maintaining a delightful engine sound enhanced by the turbo whine. Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator could switch between RWD and 4WD seamlessly, outclassing some of its General Motors (GM) competitors in terms of smoothness.

Despite its impressive power, the Navigator's fuel economy mirrored that of GM's larger V8 engines, with an average in the teens and an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in combined driving. While the Navigator came standard with adaptive dampers, its suspension felt less sophisticated compared to the Escalade’s magnetic shocks and air springs, sometimes resulting in a bumpier ride. The steering and brakes, while functional, lacked the precision found in an Escalade.

On the highway, the Navigator's low-end torque provided a freight-line experience, and its quiet, well-insulated cabin made it a pleasure to drive long distances. Though its steering and brake feel were not its strongest points, the overall refinement and raw power made it an impressive contender in the luxury SUV arena.

In terms of form and function, the 2021 Ford Expedition had its inconvenience noted when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The regular-length model struggled to fit six passengers and their luggage, compelling prospective buyers to consider the Expedition MAX for better cargo handling.

With power-deploying running boards and ample seats, the Expedition offered a comfortable experience, supported by an independent rear suspension. However, amenities like massage functions were only available in the front seats.

Cargo capacity was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. When folded down entirely, the maximum capacity was 104.6 cubic feet. The longer Expedition MAX version provided much more flexibility with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 121.5 cubic feet in total.

The Lincoln Navigator, akin to a small bedroom on wheels, handled passenger comfort exceptionally well. It accommodated six adults comfortably, with a technically seven-passenger seating arrangement where the third row’s middle seat was best suited for a child. The manual tilting second-row captain’s chairs were a standard feature, though consumers could opt for a bench seat for an eight-passenger setup. Cargo capacity offered 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L version pushed these numbers to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively.

Despite lacking the more advanced features of German competitors or electrically reclining second-row seats, the Navigator excelled with a luxurious front seat experience. The front seats offered extensive adjustments, including separate controls for thigh and torso bolsters, a four-way headrest, three-way lumbar support, and two massage programs. These features, combined with excellent visibility from large windows and camera systems, highlighted its suitability for long journeys despite its bus-like size.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though user-friendly, showed its age with its recessed 8-inch touchscreen. While the interface remained approachable, it sometimes lagged in responsiveness to physical and voice commands. Nonetheless, Sync 3 offered modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, navigation, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

Our test vehicle boasted a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging but lacked the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. This optional feature provided dual viewing screens, a DVD player, gaming system inputs, mobile content streaming, and Slingbox compatibility, enhancing the in-car experience for rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen that appeared modest compared to innovations like the multi-piece curved LEDs in the Cadillac Escalade. Although its infotainment shared a common foundation with Ford's systems, it had unique skin and enhanced functionality. Despite occasional delays, the software was intuitive with accurate voice recognition. However, its lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, onboard apps, or over-the-air software updates was notable.

Offering 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and a smartphone-as-key feature, the Navigator remained competitive. While the 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good, it was not exceptional. Rear entertainment systems included Roku streaming and various connections, demonstrating Lincoln’s commitment to enhancing passenger convenience.

When it came to safety, the 2021 Ford Expedition’s significant curb weight of at least 5,368 pounds provided a fundamental advantage. While the IIHS hadn't crash-tested it, the NHTSA granted it a five-star overall rating, with a slight discrepancy in rollover resistance—receiving three stars for RWD models and four for 4WD models.

Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Models starting from Limited trim also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars in all NHTSA tests except for rollover resistance, which rated four stars for 4WD and three stars for RWD models. Like the Expedition, the IIHS had not conducted crash tests on the Navigator. Notably, it lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, aiming to reduce chest injuries in case of a crash.

The Navigator came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was available, although it did not offer the same level of highway lane-centering competence as some competitors.