2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Cadillac XT4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4, with its Premium Luxury trim, presented a more luxurious and less sporty demeanor. It featured front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a navigation system, and a Bose premium audio system. The XT4's exterior was visually appealing, especially with its 20-inch alloy wheels, showcasing crisp, tailored styling. However, the front overhang was a bit excessive due to its front-drive platform. Inside, the cabin was pleasant, with competitive quality materials, though some areas, like the plain black trim around the power window controls, fell short of luxury expectations.

In contrast, 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, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. Its design included a lattice-type grille, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The Navigator's interior boasted mid-century modern styling, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and high-quality materials, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a lively driving character, though front-wheel slip and torque steer were issues with the FWD model. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts but was hesitant to downshift in Tour mode. The XT4's ride and handling were mixed, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy sensation in Sport mode. The oversized wheels provided impressive grip, but the suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, though the fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.4 mpg. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and multiple drive modes tailored the powertrain to various driving situations. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension offered excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was an issue with 22-inch wheels. The Navigator excelled on open roads, with a tight turning radius and parking assist system aiding maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The rear passenger compartment felt roomier than many small SUVs, though the rear seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, and the interior featured ample storage space. However, cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator provided ample space for passengers, with 30-way Perfect Position front seats and power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with triple-zone climate control ensuring comfort across all rows. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were also class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet in total. The longer Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was easier to use than previous iterations. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth pairing. The 8-inch touchscreen was complemented by intuitive controls on the center console and steering wheel, though there was room for improvement, such as a larger screen and better integration of the climate system with voice recognition. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system delivered a compelling audio experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Premium Luxury or Sport trims added blind-spot warning and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included additional features like automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keeping assistance. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard on Reserve trim. 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 NHTSA, though the rollover resistance rating was three stars with RWD.