2025 Lincoln Navigator vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator presented a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to embrace a subtler elegance. The Black Label Special Edition package added a sophisticated touch with blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo and light bars to stand out. The overall design was cleaner and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator adopted a minimalist cabin design, enhancing the perception of quality despite some ergonomic challenges. The 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles added a touch of modernity, though some interior elements like the tweeter speaker housings and door defogger vents appeared less refined.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package and the TX 500h hybrid starting with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The exterior maintained a large grille reminiscent of the spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a full-width rear LED light. Inside, the TX provided three interior colour options and ambient lighting, though the material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles, while innovative, seemed unnecessary, and the overall cabin could have benefited from more attention to detail.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered a towing capacity of up to 3,950 kilograms with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system and 22.6 centimetres of ground clearance made it versatile for various terrains. Despite its weight, the Navigator accelerated swiftly, with driving modes like Excite enhancing responsiveness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The steering wheel's design was unconventional, but the SUV excelled on highways, offering a quiet and composed ride with the aid of BlueCruise.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 hp. The gas model used an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid employed a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling, though it wasn't designed as a sports car.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and luxury, though taller passengers found the rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator featured Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated, with massage functionality in Black Label models. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system offered stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. Second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but limited knee room due to thick front seats. The Navigator L provided ample cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design enhancing accessibility. However, the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered more cargo room.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable centre console, though folding them flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row and up to 2,747 litres with all seats folded. The liftgate's kick sensor facilitated access, and the TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch touchscreen. It integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, though some controls were overly reliant on the touchscreen, posing a distraction while driving. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered a satisfying experience, and features like Phone As A Key and Pro Trailer Backup Assist added convenience. However, the Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some functions lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues arose. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was ample, though some features required subscriptions.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Unique features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist enhanced safety, while BlueCruise offered hands-free driving on approved roads. The latest version, BlueCruise 1.4, improved functionality and coverage. However, crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional support, though it was often turned off due to random activations. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and hands-free driving was available via subscription. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS.