2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator stood out with its unique design elements. It exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton vehicle. The Navigator's styling was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with a few chrome accents adding a touch of class. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature exterior style. The Armada's exterior featured a new grille, front fenders, and LED lighting, giving it a modern look while retaining its traditional beefy and athletic body styling. The interior, however, felt dated despite upgraded tech features. The dashboard's upper half was more modern, but other design choices, like rouched material on the door panels, detracted from the overall aesthetic. The Armada's practicality was evident, but its interior design lagged behind competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. It offered a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds), but its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as some competitors. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking, the Navigator's power and highway refinement were commendable.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. It came with a 7-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Armada excelled off-road, thanks to its robust suspension and ground clearance. However, its fuel efficiency was on the higher side, with a combined rating of 15.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Armada's handling improved over previous models, but its turning radius and parking manoeuvrability remained challenging. It boasted a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kilograms (8,500 pounds).

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, accommodating six adults comfortably. It featured power-folding third-row seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve trim included heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system. While the front seats were exceptionally comfortable with numerous adjustments, parking the Navigator was challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Nissan Armada provided practicality and functionality for families. It featured standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior was spacious, with 10-way power-adjustable front seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. Cargo space was slightly below average for the segment, with 1,413 litres behind the second row and 2,692 litres with all seats folded. The high load floor posed challenges for loading and unloading. Small-item storage was limited, but the centre console storage bin offered ample space.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator featured wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. While it lacked some advanced features, its simplicity was appreciated.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class. It offered a range of standard features, including navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Armada's camera system provided clear views, and a rearview camera mirror was available on the Platinum trim. While the steering wheel design was functional, it lacked the sophistication of other SUVs.

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

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating. It came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. While it lacked advanced driving assist technologies, it offered a range of standard safety features.