2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a blend of ruggedness and refinement. It was available in various trims, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with the Denali trim standing out for its upscale features. The Yukon Denali boasted a unique dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and a panoramic sunroof, creating an upscale cabin experience. The exterior design, with its intricate grillework and chrome accents, added to its premium appeal, making it more sophisticated than its Chevrolet counterparts.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and subtle chrome accents, creating a classy appearance. The interior was equally impressive, with seven colour palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. While it lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and performance.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine. This engine delivered robust acceleration and was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, its fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, averaging 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon Denali's ride quality was improved with an independent rear suspension and optional Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, though the 22-inch wheels could make the ride less smooth. The Active Response 4WD system enhanced cornering performance and traction, making the Yukon capable in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a single engine option: a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms. While its fuel efficiency was similar to GM's larger V8 engines, the Navigator's adaptive dampers and suspension system were less refined than competitors. However, its overall refinement and power made it a strong performer on the highway.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, though they lacked a massage function. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and collapse for added comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered improved comfort, with actual thigh support for adults. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres of space in the standard Yukon and 4,097 litres in the Yukon XL.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench option available. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator L variant provided even more storage capacity. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. However, the lack of electrically reclining second-row seats and side window shades were notable omissions.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Package added wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system included dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays, though it lacked DVD playback. The Yukon also offered a 15-inch colour head-up display and multiple camera views for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors. While it included 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 offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming. The software was intuitive, but the lack of onboard apps and wireless updates was a drawback.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Yukon's substantial curb weight provided a sense of security.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts were a unique safety feature. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control was less advanced than some competitors.