2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and spacious cabin. By 2015, the second generation arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite the refresh, the Edge's design felt slightly outdated compared to competitors like Honda and Toyota, which frequently updated their models. The Edge's exterior featured angular headlights and a large grille, while the interior retained its 2015 layout with minor updates. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features, from the SE's SYNC 3 infotainment system to the ST's performance enhancements.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition but featuring unique styling elements like the Lincoln Embrace lighting system and a lattice-type grille. The Navigator offered a new Reserve Monochromatic Package for a custom look, available in different trims and body styles. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, showcased a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a mid-century modern dashboard, and a panoramic glass roof. The Navigator's high-quality materials and digital instrumentation set it apart, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered solid low-end acceleration, suitable for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, providing a smooth yet engaging ride. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, with standard AWD. The ST offered a more dynamic driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple Lincoln Drive Modes for tailored driving experiences. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The engine provided strong acceleration with a subtle yet aggressive note. However, fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension struggled with impact harshness on rough roads, but its body motion control was excellent, offering a hint of athleticism. Around town, the Navigator felt large, but features like a tight turning radius and parking assist improved maneuverability.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. While it lacked a third row, the two rows were spacious and comfortable. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano. The SEL and Titanium trims included a hands-free power rear liftgate.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space for all passengers. 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 bench or captain's chairs, with optional audio controls and a large center console. The third row provided unmatched legroom and thigh support among luxury SUVs. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements significantly.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system as standard, with an 8-inch touchscreen and easy-to-use interface. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, eliminating the need for optional navigation. The system offered a voice-activated navigation option with real-time traffic updates. The Edge came with two smart-charging USB ports and an available semi-digital instrument panel. An optional dual rear-seat entertainment system was also available.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The system's voice recognition was functional but not as advanced as competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, offering 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 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard, offering automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an upgraded Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package with adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance was effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.