2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design. This simplicity, however, was seen as a virtue, as it allowed the vehicle to age gracefully over time. The King Ranch edition of the Expedition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar were less favored. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch cattle-brand logos. Despite its luxurious touches, the presence of hard plastic in the cabin, especially in lower trims, was a drawback, making the Lincoln Navigator a more appealing choice for those seeking a more refined interior.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while sharing its basic structure with the Expedition, offered a distinct and elegant design that set it apart. Its exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and a few chrome accents, creating a classy appearance. The Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and floating center console. The materials used were of high quality, and the Black Label trims elevated the luxury experience further. The Perfect Position seats, with their 30-way adjustability, added to the comfort and sophistication of the Navigator's interior, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a pleasant driving experience, with the Expedition accelerating enthusiastically despite its 5,368-pound weight. The SUV offered a choice between rear-wheel drive and an optional four-wheel-drive system, with towing capacities ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds depending on the configuration. The Expedition's independent rear suspension contributed to its comfortable ride and handling, although the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on imperfect surfaces. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a more powerful version of the same engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size, with a satisfying intake snarl and turbo whoosh. The 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, ensured smooth power delivery. The Navigator's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Expedition's, at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, it lacked the sophistication of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Fuel economy was similar to the Expedition, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in its ability to tow, carry cargo, and transport passengers. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, and its interior offered comfortable seating for all passengers, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The long-wheelbase Expedition MAX offered even more space.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs were manually reclining and tilting, with an optional console for added convenience. Cargo space was ample, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking could be challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3, which, while easy to use, felt outdated compared to newer systems. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology, while not cutting-edge, was intuitive and user-friendly. The 10-inch touchscreen shared its interface with Ford models but had a unique Lincoln skin. It included 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system offered Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. The Navigator's technology was simple and effective, though it lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for 4WD models and three stars for RWD models in rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional inflatable rear seat belts were a unique safety feature.