2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward yet simple, sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but with a longer wheelbase and overall length. While the Jeep received significant cabin updates, the Durango felt somewhat dated and in need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year.

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, a lattice-type grille insert, and full-width taillights. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added to its custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The Navigator offered various trims, including the standard, Reserve, and ultra-plush Black Label, with options for standard or long-wheelbase body styles and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive depending on the trim. The SRT trim also included performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, with Dodge SRT performance pages for detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a single engine choice, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 generating 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain to specific driving situations, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the towing package. The Navigator's maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive. Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified trailer maneuvering. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, with a subtle engine note, though fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, though the VW Atlas offered more space. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds. The cabin offered comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped for adults but accessible via large second-row doors and easy-fold seats. The driver and front passenger had multiple storage options, and the second row in the SRT model included a center console with cup holders.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, with available power running boards aiding entry. 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 an optional center console. Triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats ensured comfort across all rows. The third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. 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 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. Both screens used Dodge’s Uconnect infotainment system, known for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. Uconnect featured a tablet-inspired layout with dock icons for easy access to functions. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with seamless transitions between menus. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow content loading. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. Sync 3’s voice recognition 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, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT included front- and rear parking sensors. Optional driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in other phases. The IIHS rated it Moderate for driver’s side small-front overlap testing and Good in other crash tests, with Superior crash-prevention technology.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic warning, 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 rollover resistance rating was three stars with RWD. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.