Lincoln Navigator vs Toyota Grand Highlander 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, detracted from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid followed a conservative design path, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale. This approach resulted in a spacious SUV with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. While the glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces hinted at cost-saving measures, the controls were logically arranged, and the overall material quality was decent. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had room for improvement, particularly with its small volume knob and lack of a tuning knob.

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 made it capable on various terrains. Despite its weight, the Navigator accelerated swiftly, with the twin-turbo V6 providing a pleasing sound. Various driving modes adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness, although the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride. The Navigator excelled on smooth highways, offering a quiet and composed experience, especially with the BlueCruise system for hands-free driving.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning typical of CVTs, providing a satisfying driving experience. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, it offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. During testing, the Hybrid Max achieved a fuel economy of 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route. The powertrain's acceleration was impressive, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The Grand Highlander provided a soft, isolating ride, although road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure, with excellent outward visibility aided by available camera systems.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and cargo capacity, offering luxury features like Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment. The Black Label trim added 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system provided stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. However, rear seat space was tighter than expected due to thick front seats. The Navigator L variant offered expanded cargo volumes, with a new Split Gate tailgate design for easier access. Despite its spaciousness, the Navigator's cargo capacity was slightly less than some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating in all three rows, with a maximum cargo space of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. While the rear doors required ample space to open, the second-row captain's chairs allowed easy access to the third row. The Grand Highlander's cargo area offered 586 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,761 litres with the second row folded. Although storage locations were unlined, the Grand Highlander provided ample space for family road trips.

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

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system was user-friendly, although the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously was a drawback. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator boasted an impressive array of standard advanced driver assistance systems, 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, crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. While the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating, the overall safety tech operated with accuracy. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.