2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and features set it apart. The Navigator's exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and sweeping LED lights, all contributing to its understated elegance. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments. Despite its size, the Navigator's interior felt refined and luxurious, rivaling even more expensive competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a new bumper, giving it a distinct and proportionate look. The interior retained its familiar layout but incorporated higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The Kicks offered a two-tone paint option, enhancing its upmarket appearance. The SR Premium trim added sporty elements like LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Overall, the Kicks presented a stylish and practical design, appealing to those seeking a subcompact SUV with a touch of flair.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a thrilling sound. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered smooth and responsive handling. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as refined as some competitors. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking, the Navigator excelled in power and highway refinement.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the Navigator, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for city driving and highway cruising. Its electric power-assisted steering and front independent strut suspension contributed to nimble handling. The Kicks' CVT could be noisy under heavy acceleration, but it maintained a quiet cabin otherwise. The Kicks excelled in fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres. It also offered standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist, enhancing its overall performance and safety.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. Its boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve trim offered heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking could be challenging due to its size. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it a top choice for families and long journeys.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover added hidden storage, enhancing its practicality. The Kicks' interior was designed for functionality and comfort, making it a suitable choice for urban driving and small families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to newer models. It offered Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and voice recognition, but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided good sound quality, though not exceptional. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming. While not as advanced as some competitors, the Navigator's technology was user-friendly and functional.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SR Premium trim boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, delivering immersive sound through eight speakers. The Kicks also featured a surround-view monitor, aiding in parking and manoeuvring. With its modern technology and user-friendly interface, the Kicks provided excellent value for a subcompact SUV.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks SV and SR trims added adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. While not crash-tested by the IIHS, the Kicks had a strong safety record and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.