2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose creating a striking first impression. Over time, however, its unique features became more familiar and less polarizing. The SUV's styling included black windshield pillars that gave the illusion of a floating roof, and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the design. Despite its 20-inch wheels, the Highlander's cartoonishly-flared quarter panels seemed overwhelming. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid Limited offered a two-tone interior with soft leather, though some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The dashboard's asymmetrical design housed a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which suffered from reflections on sunny days, and the mix of illumination colors gave the gauges a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents. The Navigator's Pristine White exterior, with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo, made a striking impression during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and luxurious materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle showcased layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. Overall, the Navigator's interior felt refined and spacious, with a focus on luxury and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving an EPA-rated 36 mpg in combined driving. With a total output of 243 horsepower, the Highlander Hybrid offered adequate power but lacked excitement. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission, and while it improved fuel efficiency, it sacrificed driving enjoyment. The steering felt lifeless, and the drivetrain sounded strained during acceleration. Despite its 4,595-pound weight, the Highlander Hybrid demonstrated capable handling on smooth roads but struggled with body movement on uneven surfaces. Around town, the electric motor torque and EV Mode provided a quiet and comfortable ride, but overall, the driving experience was unremarkable.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator delivered impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine sound. Its 4WD system offered smooth transitions between RWD and 4WD High, and the towing capacity reached up to 8,700 pounds. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, making it a compelling choice for long-distance travel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable and lacked support, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage was adequate but not as generous as previous models, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided ample space for six adults, with a tall boxy design that maximized interior room. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with an optional bench for eight-passenger capacity. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103 cubic feet in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats offered extensive adjustments and massage functions, providing exceptional comfort. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The test vehicle featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. However, the JBL sound system's performance was inconsistent, and the voice recognition system did not control climate settings. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror for improved convenience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to competitors. While the software was intuitive, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment options included Roku streaming and various connections. The Navigator's technology was straightforward, offering a relief from overly complex systems found in some luxury vehicles.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included advanced driver-assist technologies. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the LE trim. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional protection. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced lane-tracking capabilities of some competitors.