2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX was slightly larger than its predecessor, the Encore, in nearly every dimension. It was 2.7 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 1.8 inches taller, with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase and a wider front and rear track. Buick invested considerable effort into revising the exterior styling of the GX, featuring a larger grille, revised headlights and taillights, and a completely reworked rear end. This gave the Encore GX a more mature and complete appearance compared to the stubby, notchy look of the Encore. Inside, the cabin of the Encore GX, while similar at first glance to the smaller Encore, revealed a higher level of care, style, and fit and finish upon closer inspection. It felt more upscale than the Hyundai Kona, though not quite as refined as the Mazda CX-30.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its chrome and brightwork, setting it apart from mainstream models like the Ford Expedition, on which it was based. The Navigator featured completely different front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace exterior lighting system that sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The lattice-type grille insert mimicked the Lincoln star logo, and the illuminated star in the center added a touch of elegance. The Navigator also had fender vents with simulated exposed front door hinges, full-width taillights, and black roof pillars, giving the glass a wraparound appearance. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added to the Navigator’s custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator exuded luxury with its mid-century modern styling cues, high-quality materials, and features like the 30-way Perfect Position front seats, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic glass roof.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model. The test model featured a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, generating 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, sent through a CVT to the front wheels. This engine was also available with all-wheel drive (AWD), which came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and reduced torque to 162 pound-feet. The 1.3-liter engine provided solid power for its size, though it felt underwhelming on the low end and rumbled as the nine-speed automatic searched for the most efficient gear. Despite occasional vibrations, the overall driving experience was smooth, with responsive steering and a well-weighted suspension that soaked up bumps nicely. The Encore GX handled corners with confidence, offering a composed and level ride at higher speeds.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, offered a single engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, transferring power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to four-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator featured multiple Lincoln Drive Modes tailored to specific driving situations, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the optional towing package. The Navigator’s maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Acceleration from the twin-turbo V6 was strong, with a subtle yet aggressive engine note. However, fuel economy was a downside, averaging 16.4 mpg on the testing loop. The Navigator’s adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was noticeable with 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires. The Navigator felt huge around town but was more maneuverable thanks to a tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased space in the rear seats and cargo area compared to the standard Encore. The rear doors were larger, and rear seat legroom and headroom were improved. With the rear seats up, the Encore GX provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was five cubic feet more than the standard Encore and three cubic feet less than the larger Buick Envision. The added rear legroom meant the front seats didn’t need to be adjusted to fold the rear seats down, and a quick-flip button in the rear headrests facilitated this process. The rear load floor could be lowered by removing small dividers, creating more space. The front cabin featured a reconfigured center console with additional trays and cubby space, deep in-door cubbies, and large cup holders.

In comparison, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, though available power running boards helped. Once inside, passengers enjoyed ample room to stretch out in comfort. The test vehicle’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the optional Luxury Package, were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the perfect settings took time. The Navigator offered a choice between a three-person bench or two-passenger captain’s chairs for the second row, with the latter option including a large center console with audio system controls. Triple-zone climate control ensured comfort across all three rows, and the test vehicle featured heated rear seat cushions. The third-row seat provided excellent legroom and thigh support, making it comfortable for most passengers. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with GM’s latest touchscreen infotainment system, featuring an intuitive layout, crisp graphics, and responsive performance. The main menu items could be customized, and the system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a rear camera mirror. The test car featured an available head-up display (HUD) projected via a small plastic display that deployed from the dash, a cost-cutting measure compared to projecting directly onto the windshield.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator’s Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, taking time to load content. However, it provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and 911 Assist, a Lincoln Way smartphone and smartwatch app, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. Sync 3’s 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: Stereo, Audience, and On Stage. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and a following distance indicator. It also featured the Teen Driver System, allowing speed and volume limitations for a secondary set of keys. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring with lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. The test model also had a surround-view camera system, providing clear, high-quality images and helpful angles for parking.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator included the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), featuring 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 operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the rear-wheel-drive model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2020 model.