2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV enthusiasts with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The standard semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature, but overall, the interior felt outdated.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton vehicle. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, with body-colour elements and chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Pristine White model, with its illuminated Lincoln logo and black wheels, 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 materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 adjustment options.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed manoeuvres challenging. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and various off-road modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel efficiency was poor, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but the suspension lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's steering and brakes were less precise, but its overall refinement and power were commendable.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX featured three rows of seating, accommodating seven passengers, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, comfortably seating six adults. The boxy design contributed to generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustment options. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position aided in manoeuvrability.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight, but overall, the tech offerings were limited.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to competitors. While it included Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition, but lacked onboard apps and wireless updates. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming, adding to its tech appeal.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered optional inflatable rear seat belts, a rare safety feature. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.