Lincoln Navigator vs Lexus NX Hybrid

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 luxury, although some interior elements like the tweeter speaker housings and door defogger vents appeared less refined.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid leaned towards an over-stylized appearance, particularly with its large, intricately patterned spindle grille and aggressive LED headlights. The profile was sporty yet less extroverted, with smooth lines and body-coloured fender flares suggesting a focus on road performance. F Sport elements included dark trim and 20-inch wheels, while the fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX combined sporty aesthetics with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled towards the driver. The F Sport 3 model boasted sporty touches like dark graphite aluminum trim and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing its upscale feel.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a 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 provided robust performance, although the ride quality was affected by the 24-inch wheels and 285/40 tires. Despite its weight, the Navigator moved swiftly, with various driving modes adjusting powertrain response and suspension firmness. However, the steering wheel's size and shape were less than ideal for such a large SUV.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and trio of electric motors, offered a combined 240 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain provided standard AWD, with a 7.2-second 0 to 96 km/h acceleration time. While the NX wasn't particularly sporty, its handling was controlled, and the ride remained comfortable despite the firm suspension. The drivetrain felt less responsive, and the engine droned under hard acceleration. Steering wheel paddles allowed for simulated downshifts, but the experience was not as engaging as a traditional automatic transmission. Buyers seeking more power could consider the NX 450h plug-in hybrid with 340 horsepower.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and luxury, though taller passengers might find the rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator offered Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, and Black Label models featured 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system provided stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. Second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable but offered limited knee room due to thick front seats. The Navigator L variant provided ample cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design enhancing accessibility.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's front seats offered good bolstering and comfort, with power adjustments and heated and ventilated features. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The NX's cargo space was modest for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with seats folded. The coupe-like roof shape contributed to the limited cargo capacity, but the NX remained practical for everyday use.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, some controls required navigating the touchscreen, which could be distracting. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional tech included Phone As A Key and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, though the Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system were optional. The Remote Connect subscription offered remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system was responsive, with physical controls for volume and temperature, enhancing usability.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered a comprehensive suite of standard ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. However, the Navigator had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and performed well in NHTSA crash tests. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite included blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems functioned effectively during testing, though the adaptive cruise control was somewhat complex to operate.