2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier trim, equipped with a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), a power panoramic sunroof, and a Confidence and Convenience II option package, had a price tag of $40,040, including the $1,195 destination charge. While this seemed steep, Chevrolet factored in expected rebates and incentives, such as a $4,500 discount at the time. The Equinox Premier boasted a clean design with 19-inch wheels, gray contrast cladding, roof rails, and extra chrome detailing. Inside, the Jet Black and Brandy leather interior, panoramic sunroof, and polished metallic accents gave it an upscale look, though the presence of hard and shiny plastic detracted from the premium feel.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling, the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, and a lattice-type grille insert with an illuminated star. The Navigator's design included fender vents, full-width taillights, and black roof pillars for a wraparound glass appearance. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, extra-cost paint, and both the Luxury and Reserve Monochromatic option packages, was priced at $92,385, including the $1,295 destination charge. The interior featured Dark Slate leather, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a mid-century modern dashboard, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a luxurious flagship SUV feel.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The rental AWD version averaged 24.3 mpg, below the EPA's 28 mpg combined rating. The optional 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine delivered 252 hp at 5,500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This version averaged 22.1 mpg, less than the EPA's 24 mpg combined rating. Both versions had firm ride qualities and more road and wind noise than desirable. The Premier's 19-inch wheels provided a more athletic feel on winding roads, with well-controlled body motions and natural steering and braking response.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a single engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the optional towing package. The maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, below the EPA's 18 mpg combined rating. The 22-inch wheels and adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was an issue. The Navigator felt huge around town but was more maneuverable with a tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LS rental had cloth upholstery with a 10-way power driver's seat, while the Premier trim featured leather, an 8-way power front passenger's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Both trims were comfortable but could benefit from longer seat cushions. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, with generous legroom in the rearmost position. Cargo volume measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The cabin offered plenty of storage, including a large center console storage bin and various bins, trays, and cubbies.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers found plenty of room. 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 a large center console. Triple-zone climate control and heated rear seat cushions ensured comfort across all three rows. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. 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 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered several infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Chevrolet Connected Access services. Upgrades included a high-definition display, cloud connectivity, improved voice recognition, HD Radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The LS rental had the basic setup, while the Premier had all the bells and whistles. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with additional options for wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was the least impressive technology, 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. 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, with an optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a safe following distance monitor, and automatic high-beam headlights. A reversing camera, rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control, lane change warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Equinox earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of 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. The Navigator earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD version had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.