2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, aiming to be more upscale than Chevys but not quite reaching Cadillac's luxury. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins. The 2020 model came in various trims, including the luxurious Denali, which featured all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and a Technology Package, bringing the price to $52,385. Design changes were most noticeable in the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, updates included new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models, though the cabin still mixed soft surfaces with hard plastic panels.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille insert, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added custom looks with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, was priced at $92,385. Inside, the Luxury Package included 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a panoramic glass roof. High-quality materials and digital instrumentation further separated the Navigator from its Ford counterpart.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine choices: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. The AT4 trim featured a dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 engine provided smooth, refined power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in combined driving, close to its EPA rating of 21 mpg. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, though its driving character was considered forgettable.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with a single engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an optional 4WD upgrade. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain to various driving conditions, and the Navigator's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system simplified trailer maneuvering. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating of 18 mpg. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and body motion control provided a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads.

The 2020 GMC Acadia seated five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim offering six-passenger seating via second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were 10-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, ensuring comfort. Heated second-row captain’s chairs and a reconfigured center console improved interior storage. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel ensured comfort. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain’s chairs, with a large center console available. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were 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 offered even more space.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution and improved user experience. The test vehicle featured navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and new USB-C ports. A high-definition surround-view camera and rear camera mirror enhanced visibility.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load but included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and GMC Connected Services. Standard ADAS features included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were optional on higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 ADAS suite, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. 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.