2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with sedans and minivans, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models added unique styling elements like an Ice Edge roof, matte black wheels, and red interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured large rubberized knobs and door handles, adding to its rugged aesthetic. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't improve significantly on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable but lacked the option for real leather, even on the top-tier Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior was functional and distinct from other Toyota models, but it didn't offer the luxury feel some might expect at higher price points.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. Sharing its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design elements and a luxurious feel. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and full-width taillights, with splashes of chrome for a classy touch. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille and black wheels was particularly striking during winter tests. The Navigator also had a light show feature when locking or unlocking, adding to its premium feel.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased fine details like layered wood trim and a floating center console. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, provided exceptional comfort. The Navigator's interior was spacious and refined, making it one of the most luxurious options in its class.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and better fuel economy, with the Prime delivering 302 horsepower.

On the highway, the RAV4 provided a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride, but its off-road capabilities were more notable. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The TRD Off-Road also had model-specific suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, making it capable of handling rougher terrain, though it lacked the suspension articulation and approach angles of traditional off-roaders.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly sprightly for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and the Navigator had a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, but the Navigator's power and refinement on the highway were impressive.

The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as supple as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks. The steering and brakes lacked the precision of the Escalade, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a pleasure to drive on long trips. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness, with quick reaction times and rev-matched downshifts.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 had a 60/40 split-folding rear seat but lacked the sliding feature found in some rivals. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were user-friendly, but the center console storage was limited.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had ample space, accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator offered 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature. The Navigator Reserve had heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, but lacked some features offered by German competitors, like five-zone climate control and heated third-row seats.

The front seats in the Navigator were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous settings for optimal support. The large windows and high driving position provided excellent visibility, though parking was challenging due to its size. The 360-degree cameras were helpful but not high-resolution.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering an 8-inch or 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford but with a unique Lincoln skin. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment included Roku media streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations were a nice touch, and the simpler interface was a relief compared to more complex systems.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. It missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator. It lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.