2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus, added to its upscale appearance. The introduction of the XSE trim level brought a more aggressive front end, with 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique front fascia, although it didn't quite match the performance of sportier rivals. Inside, the Limited trim offered near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. Its rectilinear shapes, body-colour grille, and full-width taillight assembly contributed to its classy appearance. The Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to detail, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The Perfect Position seats, with 30 adjustable ways, provided exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's materials and panel gaps were commendable, it lacked some of the opulence found in smaller luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable performance, making it suitable for family use. It compared favourably with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of horsepower and torque. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but it remained more focused on comfort than performance.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, the Navigator offered brisk acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Its towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms was substantial. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs that could slide to optimize space. However, the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with it folded, and 2,245 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. Its boxy shape 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 L variant provided even more room. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions. However, the lack of electrically reclining second-row seats was a drawback.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch unit available on higher trims. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, its navigation struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, enhancing connectivity. The JBL audio system, available on higher trims, offered decent sound quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to newer competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, though slightly slow, and voice recognition was accurate. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also 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 and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was optional, and it lacked some advanced self-steering capabilities.