2019 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2019 GMC Acadia was a handsome SUV with a shorter wheelbase that provided an athletic stance and an upscale appearance, thanks to its upright grille. Despite not being marketed as an upscale SUV, it was as nice as, if not nicer than, the more expensive Buick Envision. The Acadia had broader appeal than other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envision. Although considered a midsize SUV, it felt closer in size to compact competitors like the Nissan Rogue.

The Acadia came in several trims: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and the top-tier Denali. The base SL trim featured 17-inch wheels, 7-passenger seating, remote keyless entry, 3-zone climate control, and heated power side mirrors. Higher trims added more features, with the SLT-1 offering a Bose 8-speaker stereo, 18-inch wheels, and driver-assistance features. The Denali trim added luxury touches like a hands-free power tailgate, unique 20-inch wheels, and leather-appointed seating.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its chrome and brightwork, differentiating it from the Ford Expedition on which it was based. The Navigator featured unique front and rear styling elements and the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, which sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The lattice-type grille, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights were Lincoln-specific design hallmarks.

For 2020, the Navigator introduced the Reserve Monochromatic Package, adding body-color grille and side mirror enhancements with 22-inch black-painted wheels. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase body styles, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The test vehicle was a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, priced at $92,385. It featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a panoramic glass roof, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engine choices: a 193-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 was available in higher trims and provided fantastic acceleration, even chirping the tires from a quick takeoff. Power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system featured GMC’s Active Twin Clutch system, allowing drivers to switch between FWD, AWD, Sport mode, and All-Terrain mode. The V6 Acadia could tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy for the base 4-cylinder engine with FWD was 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. The SLT-1 AWD with the V6 returned 17/25/20 mpg, with observed fuel economy of 19.8 mpg.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a single engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an option for 4WD. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain to specific driving situations, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the optional towing package. The Navigator could tow up to 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. Pro Trailer Backup Assist made towing easier by allowing the driver to steer the trailer using a dashboard knob. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite its size, the Navigator’s adaptive damping suspension and body motion control provided a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads and smooth pavement.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided ample space for the driver and front passenger, with deep trays for small items and functional in-door bins. The SL, SLE-1, and SLE-2 trims featured 7-passenger seating with a middle bench seat, while the SLT-1 AWD had captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to 6. The second-row seats were comfortable and provided decent head- and legroom, but the third-row seats were suitable only for kids. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 79 cubic feet with both rows folded. This was small for the midsize SUV class, but rubberized floor mats made it a great option for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers found plenty of room to stretch out. The test vehicle’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain’s chairs, with the latter option including a large center console. Triple-zone climate control and heated rear seat cushions ensured comfort across all three rows. The third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support, making it comfortable for most passengers. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L offered even more space, with 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2019 GMC Acadia’s base SL trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The SLT-1 trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen, and the Denali trim added standard navigation. Higher trims also featured a 4.2-inch color information display within the gauge cluster, with the Denali offering an 8-inch display. The Acadia was available with a color head-up display providing information such as vehicle speed, engine rpm, and safety alerts.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator’s Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load content, but it provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well but required specific command pathways. The Reserve’s Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with three listening profiles. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system added dual 10-inch displays, wireless headphones, and media streaming capabilities.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added a blind-spot warning system, lane-change alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim included the Driver Alert Package 2, which added low-speed forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, forward-collision alert, and adaptive headlights and high beams. These packages provided comprehensive driver-assistance features, though much of the tech was standard on base trims of other vehicles.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, a blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage, a rear cross-traffic warning system, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance operated with refinement and subtlety. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the rollover resistance rating for RWD models was three stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2020 model.